I was trying to copy a password file from a file system to the ASM. Every time I tried to copy this file, I noticed that the directory named “DB_UNKNOWN” was created. This error usually happens when the database unique_name (resource) is not configured into the CRS and the output can be seen as below:
[oracle@techdaserver dbs]$ . oraenv ORACLE_SID = [TECHDB] ? +ASM1 The Oracle base remains unchanged with value /u01/app/oracle [oracle@techdaserver dbs]$ asmcmd ASMCMD> pwcopy '/u01/app/oracle/19.3.0/db/dbs/orapwTECHDB' '+DATA/TECHDB/PASSWORD/' copying /u01/app/oracle/19.3.0/db/dbs/orapwTECHDB -> +DATA/TECHDB/PASSWORD/ ASMCMD> ls -ltr +DATA/TECHDB/PASSWORD/ WARNING:option 'r' is deprecated for 'ls' please use 'reverse' Type Redund Striped Time Sys Name PASSWORD UNPROT COARSE AUG 19 12:00:00 N PASSWORD => +DATA/DB_UNKNOWN/PASSWORD/pwddb_unknown.282.1080996227
To fix this issue, you must use the “–dbuniquename” clause while copying a file from disk to the ASM:
[oracle@techdaserver dbs]$ . oraenv ORACLE_SID = [TECHDB] ? +ASM1 The Oracle base remains unchanged with value /u01/app/oracle [oracle@techdaserver dbs]$ asmcmd ASMCMD> pwcopy --dbuniquename TECHDB '/u01/app/oracle/19.3.0/db/dbs/orapwTECHDB' '+DATA/TECHDB/PASSWORD/' copying /u01/app/oracle/19.3.0/db/dbs/orapwTECHDB -> +DATA/TECHDB/PASSWORD/orapwTECHDB ASMCMD> ls -ltr +DATA/TECHDB/PASSWORD/ WARNING:option 'r' is deprecated for 'ls' please use 'reverse' Type Redund Striped Time Sys Name PASSWORD UNPROT COARSE AUG 19 12:00:00 N orapwTECHDB => +DATA/TECHDB/PASSWORD/pwdTECHDB.282.1080996329 PASSWORD UNPROT COARSE AUG 19 12:00:00 Y pwdTECHDB.282.1080996329
I hope that this post helps you!
*The views expressed here are my own and do not represent those of my employer.*
Hello, I’m Bruno — a dual citizen of Brazil and Sweden. I bring a global perspective shaped by experiences in both South America and Europe, with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation across cultures. I am a Computer Scientist, PhD Candidate in Information and Communication Technologies, focusing on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and hold dual Master’s degrees in Data Science and Cybersecurity. With over fifteen years of international experience spanning Brazil, Hungary, and Sweden, I have collaborated with global organizations such as IBM, Playtech, and Oracle, as well as contributed remotely to projects across multiple regions. My professional interests include Databases, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Science, Data Engineering, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Programming, and Software Engineering, all driven by a deep passion for transforming data into strategic business value.