Performing a Backup Prior to Patching Software

It is highly recommended to back up the software directory you are patching before performing any patch operation. This applies to Oracle RAC, ASM, or Oracle Clusterware software installation directories.

To back up the software installation:

1. Back up the software installed in the specified Oracle home using:

   1. An operating system utility, such as zip, cp -r, tar, or cpio, to back up the software in the Oracle home directory that is being patched to disk.

   2. The Oracle Secure Backup utility to back up the software in the Oracle home directory that is being patched to tape.