SQL>SELECT LOG_MODE FROM V$DATABASE;
To open the database in Archive log mode. Follow these steps:
STEP 1: Shutdown the database if it is running.
STEP 2: Take a full offline backup.
STEP 3: Set the following parameters in parameter file.
LOG_ARCHIVE_FORMAT='log%t_%s_%r.arc'
LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_1='LOCATION=USE_DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST'
If you want you can specify second destination also
LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_2=/location=/u02/orcl/arc/'
Step 3: Start and mount the database.
SQL> STARTUP MOUNT
STEP 4: Give the following command
SQL> ALTER DATABASE ARCHIVELOG;
STEP 5: Then type the following to confirm.
SQL> ARCHIVE LOG LIST;
STEP 6: Now open the database
SQL>alter database open;
Step 7: It is recommended that you take a full backup after you brought the
database in archive log mode.
To again bring back the database in NOARCHIVELOG mode. Follow these steps:
STEP 1: Shutdown the database if it is running.
STEP 2: Comment the following parameters in parameter file by putting " # " .
# LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_1='LOCATION=USE_DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST'
# LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_2=/location=/u02/orcl/arc/'
# LOG_ARCHIVE_FORMAT='log%t_%s_%r.arc'
 STEP 3: Startup and mount the database.
 SQL> STARTUP MOUNT;
STEP 4: Give the following Commands
SQL> ALTER DATABASE NOARCHIVELOG;
STEP 5: Shutdown the database and take full offline backup.