I have to admit that I know Oracle only very basically, though bare with me :-)
But what I think seems to be complicate matters is that you're backing up your database cold. I remember that I did this also a couple of years ago when I didn't know that RMAN can do this while the database is still online. Since then, the database runs 24 hours a day and hasn't to be shutdown for backup purposes. If our scenario fits you're situation, I recommend looking into RMAN a little further. IIRC the database has to run in ARCHIVELOG mode. /Axel
