David, Assuming the spfile is corrupt, that is, a startup nomount or mount will not work, startup the database using a physical init.ora file then convert the init.ora file to a spfile after the database is back up: http://www.dbasupport.com/oracle/ora9i/spfile.shtml If necessary, use the sample physical init.ora file provided by Oracle as part of the install, initsid.ora, and alter these basic parameters as necessary. Ellis PS The instance is started up and will try to read the spfile even if startup nomount or mount is used as the instance is the memory structure of the database, specifically, the SGA and PGA. -----Original Message----- From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of david wendelken Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 4:13 PM To: oracle-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: !! oracle startup problem - need help Oracle 9i. The DBA used enterprise manager to change memory parameters and restart the database, but the database can't grab all the data specifiied, so it won't start back up. He can't get enterprise manager to change the memory parameters back because the database isn't started. The parameters are stored in an spfile, which appears to be partially binary. (I'm used to using the init.ora text file, no big deal to edit that!) What can we do to get the spfile contents edited? Needless to say, the database is down. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe send email to: oracle-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx put 'unsubscribe' in the subject line. -- Archives are at //www.freelists.org/archives/oracle-l/ FAQ is at //www.freelists.org/help/fom-serve/cache/1.html ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe send email to: oracle-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx put 'unsubscribe' in the subject line. -- Archives are at //www.freelists.org/archives/oracle-l/ FAQ is at //www.freelists.org/help/fom-serve/cache/1.html -----------------------------------------------------------------