2.2.1 Summary of the Steps For Using OPatchAuto in a Fusion Middleware Environment

Applying a patch with OPatchAuto involves a series of steps that must be performed to ensure successful patching.

The following table summarizes the typical steps required to patch your existing Fusion Middleware environment using OPatchAuto.

Table 2-1 Using OPatchAuto with Oracle Fusion Middleware

Task	Description	Documentation
Acquire patches required for your installation	Log in, search for, and download the patches required for your specific installation. You do not need to worry about whether OPatchAuto supports a particular patch type. If OPatchAuto does not support a particular patch type, you will be notified when you run the tool.	Obtaining Patches Required For Your Installation
Review the README.txt file for the patch.	Each patch archive includes a README file that contains important information and instructions that must be followed prior to applying your patch. It is important to review the README file because it provides any unique steps or other information specific to the patch.	The README.txt file that is packaged within the patch archive
For a multi-host environment, define your topology (configuration) using Fusion Middleware Composer.	To apply a patch on multiple hosts, you must create a topology file using Fusion Middleware Composer. This file contains information about your configuration. The topology file provides a way for OPatchAuto to obtain information from your environment so it can automate the application of the patch.	Building A Topology Using Fusion Middleware Composer
Check for patch prerequisites.	The OPatchAuto apply -analyze command will identify that the prerequisites for the patch have been met.	If you are patching a single host environment, see Verifying the Prerequisites for Applying a Patch on a Single Host. If you are patching a multi-host environment, see Verifying the Prerequisites for Applying a Patch on Multiple Hosts.
Apply the patch.	After you determine the Oracle home to which you need to apply the patch, and you have read the README file, then you should apply the patch with the opatchauto apply command.	If you are patching a single host environment, see Applying a Patch on a Single Host Using the Apply Command If you are patching a multi-host environment, see Applying a Patch on Multiple Hosts Using the Apply Command
Verify the patch was applied to the Oracle home successfully.	The OPatch lsinventory command will show what patches have been applied to the Oracle home. The listDomainPatchInventory.sh command will show the patches applied to the domain. Use these commands together to verify the application of the patch.	Using the OPatch lsinventory Command to Verify the Patches Applied to an Oracle Home Using the listDomainPatchInventory.sh Command to Verify the Patches Applied to a Domain
Verify that your software runs properly after you apply the patch.	After the patching is complete and your servers are restarted, you should check your product software to verify that the issue has been resolved.	Verifying Your Installation After Applying a Patch
Troubleshoot the application of a patch.	If there are problems applying a patch, your first troubleshooting task is to review the log file for the OPatchAuto session.	Troubleshooting a Patch by Viewing the OPatchAuto Log File
Roll back the application of a patch.	If for some reason the result is not satisfactory, you can use the opatchauto rollback command to remove the patch from the Oracle home. If additional assistance is required, go to My Oracle Support (formerly OracleMetaLink).	For a single host environment, see Rolling Back a Patch You Have Applied on a Single Host. For a multi-host environment, see Rolling Back a Patch You Have Applied on Multiple Hosts.