How to fix the Oracle error ORA-01157: cannot identify/lock data file string – see DBWR trace file?

In this post, you’ll learn more about the Oracle ErrorORA-01157: cannot identify/lock data file string – see DBWR trace file with the details on why you receive this error and the possible solution to fix it.

Oracle Error Description

ORA-01157: cannot identify/lock data file string – see DBWR trace file

Reason for the Error ORA-01157: cannot identify/lock data file string – see DBWR trace file

The background process was either unable to find one of the data files or failed to lock it because the file was already in use. The database will prohibit access to this file but other files will be unaffected. However the first instance to open the database will need to access all online data files. Accompanying error from the operating system describes why the file could not be identified.

How to fix the Error ORA-01157: cannot identify/lock data file string – see DBWR trace file ?

You can fix this error in Oracle by following the below steps

Have operating system make file available to database. Then either open the database or do ALTER SYSTEM CHECK DATAFILES.