Starting the Auxiliary Instance

The initialization parameter file that you create is used to start the auxiliary instance.

RMAN shuts down and restarts the auxiliary instance as part of the duplication. Hence, it is a good idea to create a server-side initialization parameter file for the auxiliary instance in the default location. If you do not have a server-side initialization parameter file in the default location, then you must specify the client-side initialization parameter file with the PFILE parameter on the DUPLICATE command.

Note:

Because the auxiliary instance does not yet have a control file, you can only start the instance in NOMOUNT mode. Do not create a control file or try to mount or open the auxiliary instance.

To start the auxiliary instance:

Start RMAN.
```
% rman
```
Connect to the auxiliary instance as a user with the SYSDBA or SYSBACKUP privilege. The following example uses password file authentication to connect to the auxiliary instance.
```
RMAN> CONNECT SYS@dupdb AS SYSDBA;
```
The following example uses operating system authentication to connect to the auxiliary instance by using the SYSBACKUP privilege.
```
RMAN> CONNECT / AS SYSBACKUP;
```
Start the auxiliary instance in NOMOUNT mode.
```
RMAN > STARTUP FORCE NOMOUNT;
```

Parent topic: Preparing the Auxiliary Instance on the Destination Host