Oracle Database Discussions

when i try to create pfile from spfile using the following command
create pfile from spfile
it creates the file but that file seems to in binary format like this

*.db_name='orcl'
*.instance_name='orcl'


now i think that is binary file not simple text file like following
db_name=orcl
instance_name=orcl

can any one tell me whats happening and why, and how can i create simple text file from spfile, so that i could make changes in it using some text exitor

second thing i want to ask is
if i want to change some static parameter value in spfile i need to start the oracle instance, so i do it like this
startup
but it gives the message of
connected with idle oracle instance
and if i issue the following command to change parameter value in spfile
alter system set LOG_ARCHIVE_START=true
it says oracle not available
can any one please solve these two problems