Upgrading to Oracle Database 12c with DBUA

Supported Upgrade Paths

Direct upgrades to 12c are possible from existing databases with versions 10.2.0.5+, 11.1.0.7+, or release 11.2.0.2+. Upgrades from other versions are supported only via intermediate upgrades to a supported upgrade version.
When you are using the DBUA or performing a manual upgrade, you will need both versions of the database present to complete the operation. Typically, you will be installing Oracle 12c into a new ORACLE_HOME on the existing server.

Database Upgrade Assistant (DBUA)

The preferred upgrade method is to use the Database Upgrade Assistant (DBUA), a GUI tool that performs all necessary prerequisite checks and operations before upgrading the specified instances. The DBUA can be started directly from the Oracle Universal Installer (OUI) during installation, or separately after the software installation is complete.
Make sure the database is started and run the database upgrade assistant.

$ export ORACLE_HOME=/u01/app/oracle/product/12.1.0.1/db_1
$ export PATH=$ORACLE_HOME/bin:$PATH
$ dbua

Select the "Upgrade Oracle Database" option, then click the "Next" button.



Select the database you wish to upgrade and click the "Next" button.

It can take a few minutes before the next screen is available. Wait at the "Getting database information. Please wait..." message.
Wait while the prerequisite checks takes place.

If the prerequisite checks highlight any issues, take the appropriate action to fix the issues. When you are happy with the prerequisites, click the "Next" button.

Amend the upgrade options if necessary, then click the "Next" button.

Select the desired management options, then click the "Next" button.

If you need to move the database files and/or the fast recovery area, check the relevant option and enter the destination. Click the "Next" button.

If this database is the only one using the 11g listener, accept the defaults, so the listener will be upgraded. If you prefer to manually define a new listener, so do now. Click the "Next" button.

Select the recovery options for use in the event of an upgrade failure, then click the "Next" button.

If you are happy with the summary information, click the "Finish" button.

Wait while the upgrade takes place. When the upgrade is complete, click the "Upgrade Results" button.

Check the upgrade results, then click the "Close" button to leave the DBUA.

The upgraded database is now available.

$ sqlplus / as sysdba

SQL*Plus: Release 12.1.0.1.0 Production on Tue Jul 23 17:48:01 2013

Copyright (c) 1982, 2013, Oracle.  All rights reserved.


Connected to:
Oracle Database 12c Enterprise Edition Release 12.1.0.1.0 - 64bit Production
With the Partitioning, OLAP, Advanced Analytics and Real Application Testing options

SQL> SELECT name, open_mode FROM v$database;

NAME   OPEN_MODE
--------- --------------------
ORCL   READ WRITE

SQL>

Remember to alter any script or profile files that contain references to the ORACLE_HOME environment variable.