RE: How to change the value of MAXDATAFILES of a running instance

I think the difference is whether you already reached the max limit or you change it on the fly.

If you change the init$ORACLE_SID.ora file entry and then startup the database the control files are going to get synched as soon as you startup in mount or further modes.

If I recall correctly a fellow I worked with on a project reached the max limit and he had to recreate the controlfile because it was the "chicken and the egg scenario"
Can't start up the database because at the limit and can't reset the database because at the limit so go to nomount and recreate a controlfile if none is to be found and then modify it and then startup.

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 "What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the will to find out,

	 which is the exact opposite."
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