The ORA-01033 error, “ORACLE initialization or shutdown in progress,” occurs when the database is either starting up or shutting down. It can also happen if a corruption or configuration issue is preventing the database from fully opening.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Check Database Status

Before proceeding, verify the current status of your database. Use the following command:

SQL> SELECT STATUS FROM V$INSTANCE;

• Status: STARTUP
  The database is starting up; wait until it is complete.
• Status: SHUTDOWN
  The database is shutting down; wait until the process finishes.

If the issue persists, proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Force a Shutdown

Sometimes, the database hangs during startup or shutdown. To resolve this, force a shutdown:

SQL> SHUTDOWN ABORT;

Step 3: Restart the Database

Restart the database step-by-step to ensure proper initialization.

1. Start the Database in NOMOUNT Mode:

   SQL> STARTUP NOMOUNT;
   

2. Mount the Database:

   SQL> ALTER DATABASE MOUNT;
   

3. Open the Database:

   SQL> ALTER DATABASE OPEN;
   

Step 4: Troubleshoot Errors

If you encounter errors during these steps, they may indicate issues like corrupted data files or misconfigures. Common scenarios include:

Scenario 1: Data File Corruption

If a data file is corrupted, the database may fail to mount or open. Check for errors like ORA-01110 or ORA-01113. Use the following steps:

1. Identify the corrupted file:

   SQL> SELECT * FROM V$RECOVER_FILE;
   

2. Restore or recover the file:

   SQL> RECOVER DATAFILE 'path_to_corrupted_file';
   

3. Retry opening the database:

   SQL> ALTER DATABASE OPEN;
   

Scenario 2: Missing or Misconfigured Parameter Files

Ensure the SPFILE or PFILE is correctly configured. You can recreate a parameter file if needed:

SQL> CREATE PFILE='path_to_pfile' FROM SPFILE;
SQL> STARTUP PFILE='path_to_pfile';

Step 5: Verify Database Health

After successfully starting the database, verify its health:

SQL> SELECT INSTANCE_NAME, STATUS FROM V$INSTANCE;
SQL> SELECT * FROM V$DATABASE;

Ensure the status is OPEN and there are no pending recovery operations.

Common Causes of ORA-01033

1. Incomplete Shutdown:
   A previous shutdown operation was not completed successfully.
2. Corrupted Data Files:
   Data file corruption during writes or hardware issues.
3. Configuration Errors:
   Issues in parameter files (SPFILE/PFILE).
4. Disk Space Issues:
   Insufficient space for required operations.

Tips to Prevent ORA-01033 Errors

1. Perform Clean Shutdowns
   Use SHUTDOWN IMMEDIATE or SHUTDOWN NORMAL to avoid issues during restart.
2. Monitor Database Files
   Regularly check and maintain data files to avoid corruption.
3. Backup Regularly
   Maintain frequent backups to restore quickly in case of corruption.

Conclusion

The ORA-01033 error can be resolved by carefully restarting the database and addressing potential issues like data file corruption or configuration errors. The steps above will help ensure your database returns to a healthy state.

Would you like assistance with any specific errors or additional troubleshooting tips? 😊

Ahmad Gohar

With over 18 years of experience in software architecture, Java technologies, and leadership, I specialize in crafting scalable, future-proof solutions for global organizations. Whether it’s transforming legacy systems, building cutting-edge cloud-native applications, or mentoring teams to excel, I’m committed to delivering value-driven results.

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