Changing sys password in RAC databases

If you ever have worked with a RAC database, and you have changed a normal user password, you will notice that it has no difference between a single instance database. You just have to perform “ALTER USER xxx IDENTIFIED BY yyyy” and your password will be changed.

However, today I had a problem with a RAC database. I had to change the SYS password, and I did it the same way I would do in a single-instance database. But when I tried to connect with sys user, the error “ORA-01017: invalid username/password; logon denied” appeared. What I was doing wrong?

After a few thoughts, I found the solution. SYS password is instance specific in RAC databases, so you have to change it in every single instance. That’s all.

Default passwords in Oracle

Have you ever asked yourself which are the default passwords in Oracle?

Here is the list:

SYS: CHANGE_ON_INSTALL
SYSTEM: MANAGER
SCOTT: TIGER
ADAMS: WOOD
JONES: STEEL
BLAKE: PAPER
FORD: CAR
KING: GOLD