Make an exact copy of instance into another instance 1

[noksa]

Hi,

I have an Oracle8i db server running on Win2000 with 2 different instances (PROD and TEST) running on it. What's the best way to make the exact copy (structure, users, etc.) of the PROD instance into the TEST one? TEST instance holds unnecessary data that can be overwritten. Should I exp/imp or are there any other ways?

Thanks,

 

[alexhu]

1. export / import

2 Cold backup of Prod - restore to TEST - recreate controlfiles

3 Hot backup of Prod - restore to TEST - recreate controlfiles


Personally I prefer '3' which I can do while PROD is up (in the daylight )

Alex