Oracle Password file

The Oracle Password File ($ORACLE_HOME/dbs/orapw or orapwSID) stores passwords for users with administrative privileges. One needs to create a password files before remote administrators (like OEM) will be allowed to connect. Follow this procedure to create a new password file:

• Log in as the Oracle software owner
• Run command on OS level: $orapwd file=$ORACLE_HOME/dbs/orapw$ORACLE_SID password=mypasswd
• Shutdown the database (SQLPLUS> SHUTDOWN IMMEDIATE)
• Edit the INIT.ORA file and ensure REMOTE_LOGIN_PASSWORDFILE=exclusive is set.
• Startup the database (SQLPLUS> STARTUP)[/list]

NOTE: The orapwd utility presents a security risk in that it receives a password from the command line. This password is visible in the process table of many systems. Administrators needs to be aware of this!

Adding users to Password File:

One can select from the SYS.V_$PWFILE_USERS view to see which users are listed in the password file. New users can be added to the password file by granting them SYSDBA or SYSOPER privileges, or by using the orapwd utility.
e.g.
SQL> GRANT SYSDBA TO scott;