Start/notes.ini Parameters/Create_R12_Databases

Create_R12_Databases

Parameter: Create_R12_Databases
Short description: Forces newly created or compact -c-converted Notes databases to be created with on-disk structure 55 (R12 ODS). Default: not set. Since Domino 12.0.2 the ODS 55 upgrade also happens automatically without this parameter.

Profile

Parameter
Create_R12_Databases
Category
General (database format / on-disk structure)
Component
Server and client (Notes Standard and Designer client)
Available since
12.0
Supported versions
12.0, 14.0, 14.5, 14.5.1
GUI equivalent
notes.ini only (no GUI)
Possible values
0 or missing = default behavior of the respective version (default)
1 = raise new/compacted DBs to ODS 55 (R12)

Description

The on-disk structure (ODS) is the internal database format of an NSF. With each major Domino version, a new ODS typically arrives, bringing additional features and performance optimizations. Existing databases keep their ODS until they are actively raised — this happens either at creation or via compact -c.
The parameter Create_R12_Databases=1 activates the R12 behavior:
  • New creations: Newly created NSFs (via the Notes client "File → Application → New", via API, or server-side) are directly given ODS 55.
  • Compact: When load compact -c <db> is executed, the database is raised to ODS 55 (provided it has an older ODS).
  • Local & server: On the server side for server DBs, on the client side for local replicas, mail archives, and other local NSFs.
Important special rule from 12.0.2 onwards: Even without Create_R12_Databases=1, Domino creates new DBs in ODS 55, and compact -c raises existing DBs to ODS 55. The parameter is therefore only relevant for explicit forcing / earlier releases.
When to set to 1?
  • On Domino 12.0.0 / 12.0.1 (before 12.0.2), when new DBs should specifically be created in ODS 55.
  • On Notes clients version 12 and later, to automatically raise local replicas at the next compact -c.
  • For mass upgrades via tooling such as panagenda MarvelClient: notes.ini push + local Compact in one step.

Example configuration

Set on the server side and trigger Compact:
Create_R12_Databases=1
Dynamically via console (takes effect immediately, no HTTP restart):
set config Create_R12_Databases=1
Then raise existing DBs:
load compact -c

Notes & pitfalls

  • Order matters: First set Create_R12_Databases=1 / execute set config, then run load compact -c. Otherwise Compact runs against the old logic.
  • Trailing newline after the parameter: The notes.ini requires a trailing newline — if the last line is without a newline, Domino ignores the parameter (a HCL community-confirmed pitfall).
  • No downgrade: ODS 55 cannot be reverted to ODS 53 (R10) or ODS 54 (early R12) without data loss. A backup before the upgrade is mandatory.
  • Third-party extension managers: In environments with EXTMGR_ADDINS=... (e.g. antivirus hooks), it has been reported that the ODS upgrade fails. Temporarily disable the add-in if needed.
  • System databases: names.nsf, admin4.nsf, events4.nsf cannot be upgraded ad hoc while the server is running. Stop the server, then run compact -c at the OS level.
  • ODS 55 requires at least Domino/Notes 12.0 to open — a Notes 11 client can no longer read ODS 55 replicas.
  • For R10, the analogous counterpart Create_R10_Databases=1 (ODS 53) exists; for R8, Create_R85_Databases=1 (ODS 51) — do not set in parallel with Create_R12_Databases.
  • Verify the effect in mixed cluster environments: if replication partners still run on older code, ODS-55-only features (e.g. document IDs, index optimizations) cannot be played out.
  • Change takes effect immediately after set config — no server restart required. The effect, however, is only visible at the next Compact / next database creation.

Sources (HCL Product Documentation)

  • HCL Support Knowledge Base KB0114770 – Note on Create_R12_Databases and ODS upgrade behavior