What is the difference between obsolete and expired status?

Oracle expert Brian Peasland explains the difference between obsolete status and expired status.

Published: 11 Jan 2008

I am working as a DBA, handling production database using Recovery Manager (RMAN). I want to know the difference between obsolete and expired status.

A status of "expired" means that the backup piece or backup set is not found in the backup destination. With tape management systems, the automated tape library routines will expire files on the tape once a certain period of time has passed. RMAN uses this terminology to say that the tape management system has expired the file. It is no longer available. Therefore, the backup piece is expired as well.

A status of "obsolete" means the backup piece is still available, but it is no longer needed. The backup piece...

Step 2 of 2:

You forgot to provide an Email Address.

This email address doesn’t appear to be valid.

This email address is already registered. Please log in.

You have exceeded the maximum character limit.

Please provide a Corporate Email Address.
- I agree to TechTarget’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and the transfer of my information to the United States for processing to provide me with relevant information as described in our Privacy Policy.
Please check the box if you want to proceed.
- I agree to my information being processed by TechTarget and its Partners to contact me via phone, email, or other means regarding information relevant to my professional interests. I may unsubscribe at any time.
Please check the box if you want to proceed.

is no longer needed since RMAN has been configured to no longer need this piece after so many days have elapsed, or so many backups have been performed. RMAN's retention configuration determines when a backup piece becomes obsolete.

Backup hardware devices: 2017 Products of the Year finalists

Oracle RMAN (Oracle Recovery Manager)

hot backup (dynamic backup)

Which vendors support Oracle RMAN backup and recovery?