Backing Up the Control File
Because control files record the physical structure of the database, always make a backup of the control file immediately after making any changes to the physical structure of the database. You can create a backup of the control files at any time the database is operational; however, you cannot restore a control file from a backup without the full contingent of the associated data files. This is because the control file is a living and growing file that corresponds exactly to the database's status at that particular point in time.
As long as you have the data files stated in the control file, you can restore the control file safely.
There are two different ways to create a backup of the control file. You can either ...
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