Oracle 8i on Windows NT: Solved

As stated in my previous posting, I have been unable to install Oracle8i on WIndows NT Server 4.0 (SP4). I've tried everything: killing all applications, reducing video memory requirements (to 256 colors), etc. The database installation dies with no error messages.

Fortunately, I have a "quad-boot" system: Windows 98, Linux, Windows NT 4.0 Server, and Windows NT 4.0 Workstation. Normally, I keep the Windows NT 4.0 (Server and Workstation) boot-ups in-sync as far as software and updates.

However, just on a hunch, I attempted the Oracle8i installation on the NT Workstation boot-up and guess what? It worked. The database and all tools installed perfectly. I may leave it that way to keep a "clean, sterile" separation from the Oracle 8.0.5 instance with all of the Designer 2000 and Developer 2000 tools on the Server side.

Now, for the payoff: What was the difference between the two Windows NT boots, other than the smaller memory footprint of Workstation? Nothing .... much. As I said before, they are kept in sync as far as video settings, software, updates, etc. However, there was one glaring difference ---- I had installed Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 (with the new Microsoft Virtual Machine for Java) on the Server boot. The Workstation boot still had Internet Explorer 4.01 on it.

I did a thorough comparison of the two boots. Microsoft is definitely the culprit here. If you're having troubles installing Oracle8i on Windows NT, check to see if you have Internet Explorer 5.0 and the Microsoft VM. If so, remove it and revert back to Internet Explorer 4.01. And while you're at it, send Microsoft a "flame" E-Mail, just for grins. :)

I'm forwarding this to Oracle Tech Support for their follow-up.

Allan Kelly Received on Sun Apr 25 1999 - 14:33:32 CDT