Error: ORA-01559: maximum extents for rollback segment reached.
Description
This error indicates that a rollback segment has reached its maximum number of extents as specified by the MAXEXTENTS
parameter. Oracle does not allow the MAXEXTENTS
value for rollback segments to be less than 2 since at least one extent is required for the rollback segment header and one or more for the actual data.
Cause
The error is typically caused by one of the following reasons:
- An attempt was made to set the
MAXEXTENTS
parameter of a rollback segment to a value less than 2. - The rollback segment has automatically attempted to extend beyond the allocated
MAXEXTENTS
limit.
Example
An example of attempting to set an invalid MAXEXTENTS
value:
ALTER ROLLBACK SEGMENT rbs1 STORAGE (MAXEXTENTS 1);
Resolution
To resolve this error, you need to:
- Set the
MAXEXTENTS
parameter of the rollback segment to at least 2 or a higher value that meets the requirements of your transaction volume. - Consider using automatic undo management, which is recommended over manually managed rollback segments.
ALTER ROLLBACK SEGMENT rbs1 STORAGE (MAXEXTENTS 2);
Note: Always check the current value before changing the
MAXEXTENTS
setting. In addition, consider the overall space and design of your database to ensure optimal performance and avoid errors related to extents.
Precautions
Here are some precautions to take when dealing with this error:
- Backup the database regularly to prevent data loss in case of errors that may require significant changes to the rollback segments.
- Monitor the growth of rollback segments and adjust
MAXEXTENTS
appropriately with the increase in transaction load. - Consult with a DBA before making changes to the
MAXEXTENTS
to understand the implications on the system.