Viewing and Hiding the Password File

Use this procedure to make the password file visible or invisible from different locations.

The password file is not automatically hidden. It can be made invisible and visible again from two different locations:

• Using Command Prompt

• Using Windows Explorer

  Note:

  The password file must be visible before it can be moved, copied, or deleted.

Using Command Prompt

1. To see the password file, enter:

   ORACLE_HOME\database> attrib
   

   The password file is displayed as PWDsid.ora:

   A       ORACLE_HOME\database\oradba.exe
   A       ORACLE_HOME\database\oradim.log
   A       ORACLE_HOME\database\PWDsid.ora
   A       ORACLE_HOME\database\SPFILEsid.ora
   

2. To make the password file invisible, enter:

   ORACLE_HOME\database> attrib +H PWDsid.ora
   

3. To see the effect of the change, enter:

   ORACLE_HOME\database> attrib
   

   The password file is now hidden:

   A       ORACLE_HOME\database\oradba.exe
   A       ORACLE_HOME\database\oradim.log
   A   H   ORACLE_HOME\database\PWDsid.ora
   A       ORACLE_HOME\database\SPFILEsid.ora
   

4. To make the password file visible again, enter:

   ORACLE_HOME\database> attrib -H PWDsid.ora

Using Windows Explorer

To make the password file invisible or visible again:

1. Go to the directory ORACLE_HOME\database.

2. Right-click PWDsid.ora.

3. Select Properties.

   The PWDsid.ora Properties dialog box opens.

4. In Attributes, check or clear the check box next to Hidden.

5. Click OK.

To view or hide an invisible password file:

1. Go to the directory ORACLE_HOME\database.
2. Select Folder Options from the Tools main menu.
3. In the Folder Options window, select the View tab.
4. To view an invisible password file, select Show hidden files and folders.
5. To hide a visible password file, select Do not show hidden files and folders.
6. Click OK.