I can't connect to my local 8i server, pls help

scenario:
1. formatted 40 GB drive, fresh Win98SE installation, computer hostname: PQR, complete hostname: PQR.XYZ.COM (XYZ.COM is my cable ISP), no LAN, standard DHCP-based cablemodem connection to the 'net

2. fresh Oracle 8i personal edition for Win98 installation (no errors, install OK)

3. fresh Oracle Developer Forms 6i installation (no errors, install OK)

4. I can start the database (SID=JOHN), OK, and using SQLPLUS: create some tables, insert rows, etc. OK

5. I want to connect to this 8i server using
Forms 6i, but first, I should test the ODBC stuff

6. Control Panel--->ODBC--->System DSN
ADD new DSN, Oracle ODBC, data source name: JANE, description: (blank), service name: PETER, userID: (blank)

7. OK, I have the "JANE" Oracle DSN with service name "PETER"

8. Net8 Assistant control panel, selected: TNSNAMES,ONAMES,HOSTNAME, services: PETER, SID=(blank), connection: default, TCP, hostname: PQR, port: 1521. Listeners: only 1 listener: hostname: PQR, port: 1521

9. OK, save config, apply new config, using Oracle ODBC TEST program, connect to DSN: JANE, service name: PETER, user: SYSTEM, password: manager ..........................
ERROR!!!!!!!!!! ORA-12154 TNS:could not resolve service name

Cause: The service name specified is not defined correctly in the TNSNAMES.ORA file. Action: Make the following checks and correct the error: Verify that a TNSNAMES.ORA file exists and is in the proper place and accessible. See the operating system specific manual for details on the required name and location. Check to see that the service name exists in one of the TNSNAMES.ORA files and add it if necessary. Make sure there are no syntax errors anywhere in the file. Particularly look for unmatched parentheses or stray characters. Any error in a TNSNAMES.ORA file makes it unusable. See the SQL*Net V2 Administrator's Guide. If possible, regenerate the configuration files using the Oracle Network Manager.


How to fix this error ?


I think it could be the "PQR" hostname, should I try "127.0.0.1" or "localhost" (default value after install was "PQR" and yes this computer is PQR.XYZ.COM) --------> no, same error message

Oracle 8i database with SID=JOHN is installed OK because I can create tables, insert data, commit, etc.

Last edited by jimzx on 01-28-02 at 01:32 PM

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Hi jimzx,

Oracle 8i and Forms 6i use different Oracle homes, you must have 2 tnsnames.ora on your machine (somewhere in $ORACLE_HOME\Network or Net80\Admin).

Copy that one containing your service name in the other directory or use the other (2.) NetEasyConfig or NetAssistant tool to add your service name.

Good luck,

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laLocA

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BTW: you don't need to use an ODBC driver to connect from Forms to your database. A simple connect with username/password and SID will work too ...

(if you set up your tnsnames.ora correct)

__________________
laLocA

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