how do you add archive log destinations?

[aking]

Hi, this must be really simple but I've spent all morning trying so now i'm posting this question.
I want to add 2 extra archive log destinations as well as the current one which is log_archive_dest_10 and is set to the flash recovery area.
I have tried to follow the official oracle guidelines and i don't understand what i am doing wrong:

This is from:

http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B19306_01/server.102/b14231/archredo.htm#i1006405

Use SQL*Plus to shut down the database.
Set the LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_n initialization parameter to specify from one to ten archiving locations. The LOCATION keyword specifies an operating system specific path name. For example, enter:
LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_1 = 'LOCATION = /disk1/archive'
LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_2 = 'LOCATION = /disk2/archive'
LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_3 = 'LOCATION = /disk3/archive'

So I shutdown my database and put in:
SQL> LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_1 = 'LOCATION = C:\ORACLE\MULTIPLEX\ARCHIVELOGS'
And got this error message:
SP2-0734: unknown command beginning "LOG_ARCHIV..." - rest of line ignored.
??
i have tried lots of different variations on syntax.
i'm sure this is a trivial operation and i'm embarassed to be posting such a question but i don't know where else to look, i don't know why but i find official oracle technotes either difficult or impossible to follow :-(
ps. i already know how to set these variables using enterprise manager but i have to write instructions for how to do it on the command line.

 

[aking]

Update: i found out from some helpful blogs that this particular line of sql was what i was looking for:
SQL> alter system set log_archive_dest_1='location=c:\oracle\multiplex\archivelogs';
System altered.

This line only works with the database mounted and open.
If anyone could explain to me what the official manual was trying to say i would still love to know. Thanks.

 

[Thargy]

ah, the good old "It's in the documentation" is revealed for what it sometimes is - total pants.

Although the doco is rarely wrong, it has the nasty habit of leaving essential items unsaid, and failing to provide non-trivial examples for complex things. Oracle corporation sometimes gives you enough documentary rope to hang yourself - be warned.

Regards

T

 

[SantaMufasa]

Set the LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_n initialization parameter to specify from one to ten archiving locations.

AKing, What the documentation was not-so-eloquently trying to say is that you specify the additional archive locations (initialization parameters) in either the pfile or spfile. Although you can make the adjustments as you did, via an ALTER SYSTEM command, you are technically not making the setting via an initialization parameter...I very slight distinction, I know, but nonetheless a distinction in Oracle's "mind".

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]
“Beware of those that seek to protect you from harm or risk. The cost will be your freedoms and your liberty.”

 

[Turkbear]

Hi,
Gee, Dave (Sorry, I meant Santa),
when you were with Oracle Education were you never tempted to design a course titled:

'Understanding Oracle Documentation - What You Read may Not Be What We Meant'





To Paraphrase:"The Help you get is proportional to the Help you give.."

 

[SantaMufasa]

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]
“Beware of those that seek to protect you from harm or risk. The cost will be your freedoms and your liberty.”

 

[Turkbear]

Hi,
Glad you liked it...





To Paraphrase:"The Help you get is proportional to the Help you give.."