diff --git a/oracle/standby-server-scripts/rman_restore_from_zero.ps1 b/oracle/standby-server-scripts/rman_restore_from_zero.ps1
index 19b379e..1f7c899 100644
--- a/oracle/standby-server-scripts/rman_restore_from_zero.ps1
+++ b/oracle/standby-server-scripts/rman_restore_from_zero.ps1
@@ -205,6 +205,19 @@ _allow_resetlogs_corruption=TRUE
 
 # Step 2.2: Startup NOMOUNT
 Write-Host "[2.2] Starting database in NOMOUNT mode..."
+
+# First, ensure any partially started instance is shut down
+# (Service auto-start may have started instance in error state without control files)
+Write-Host "    Ensuring clean state - shutting down any existing instance..."
+$cleanupSQL = @"
+WHENEVER SQLERROR CONTINUE
+SHUTDOWN ABORT;
+EXIT;
+"@
+$cleanupSQL | & sqlplus -S / as sysdba 2>&1 | Out-Null
+
+# Now start cleanly in NOMOUNT
+Write-Host "    Starting fresh instance in NOMOUNT mode..."
 $nomountSQL = @"
 STARTUP NOMOUNT PFILE='C:\Users\oracle\admin\ROA\pfile\initROA.ora';
 EXIT;