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oracle-databaseconnectiontnsnamestns

Oracle - What TNS Names file am I using?


Sometimes I get Oracle connection problems because I can't figure out which tnsnames.ora file my database client is using.

What's the best way to figure this out? ++happy for various platform solutions.


Solution

  • Oracle provides a utility called tnsping:

    R:\>tnsping someconnection
    
    TNS Ping Utility for 32-bit Windows: Version 9.0.1.3.1 - Production on 27-AUG-20
    08 10:38:07
    
    Copyright (c) 1997 Oracle Corporation.  All rights reserved.
    
    Used parameter files:
    C:\Oracle92\network\ADMIN\sqlnet.ora
    C:\Oracle92\network\ADMIN\tnsnames.ora
    
    TNS-03505: Failed to resolve name
    
    R:\>
    
    
    R:\>tnsping entpr01
    
    TNS Ping Utility for 32-bit Windows: Version 9.0.1.3.1 - Production on 27-AUG-20
    08 10:39:22
    
    Copyright (c) 1997 Oracle Corporation.  All rights reserved.
    
    Used parameter files:
    C:\Oracle92\network\ADMIN\sqlnet.ora
    C:\Oracle92\network\ADMIN\tnsnames.ora
    
    Used TNSNAMES adapter to resolve the alias
    Attempting to contact (DESCRIPTION = (ADDRESS_LIST = (ADDRESS = (COMMUNITY = **)
     (PROTOCOL = TCP) (Host = ****) (Port = 1521))) (CONNECT_DATA = (SID = ENTPR0
    1)))
    OK (40 msec)
    
    R:\>
    

    This should show what file you're using. The utility sits in the Oracle bin directory.