Weird error in connecting to database

[vivekm]

Hi all,

When I connect to the database with <username>/<password>@<sid>, I get the error message:

ORA-12514: TNS:listener could not resolve SERVICE_NAME given in connect

On checking my TNSNAMES.ORA file, the SERVICE_NAME entry is okay.

Now, when I go into the command prompt, I type:
set oracle_sid=test
sqlplus <username>/<password>
, I can log in without any problems. Now could the problem be that my SID name (or SERVICE_NAME) is called TEST ? I.e. is TEST a keyword?

Suggestions to this problem please.

Regards,
Vivek

 

[Turkbear]

To insure good replies, please include the OS and specific Database version

Have you tried tnsping?
Does it give any other errors..

Did you create the tnsnames.ora file manually or use the assistant?

Is there a listener running on the test instance's server?

 

[vivekm]

Thanks for the response. O/S is Windows 2K and Oracle 8.1.7.

>Have you tried tnsping?
>Does it give any other errors..
TNSPING returns back OK message - successfully.

>Did you create the tnsnames.ora file manually or use the assistant?

Used both ways of creating the file. Both same outcome.

>Is there a listener running on the test instance's server?
Yes, the listener starts - else I would not be able to login via SQL*Plus.

Regards,
Vivek