Re: tnsping fails, yet sqlplus connects

EdStevens wrote:
> Oracle 10.2.0.1.0 on Windows 2003 server
>
> While chasing down a problem with a db link, I ran across this bit of
> strangeness. Our temp hired gun -- who is far better than me -- can't
> explain it either, beyond a vague comment about differences in
> Windows....
>
> I've solved my orginal problem, but this bit leaves me with unanswered
> questions. Here is a short, concise demo, copied straight from the
> command window. Only the userid and password have been masked. Nothing
> else has been cut or ortherwise edited.
>
> <==== begin quote ====>
>
> C:\>tnsping epspd
>
> TNS Ping Utility for 32-bit Windows: Version 10.2.0.1.0 - Production on
> 29-JUN-2
> 006 09:10:21
>
> Copyright (c) 1997, 2005, Oracle. All rights reserved.
>
> Used parameter files:
>
> TNS-03505: Failed to resolve name
>
> C:\>sqlplus myuser/*****@epspd
>
> SQL*Plus: Release 10.2.0.1.0 - Production on Thu Jun 29 09:10:41 2006
>
> Copyright (c) 1982, 2005, Oracle. All rights reserved.
>
>
> Connected to:
> Oracle Database 10g Enterprise Edition Release 10.2.0.1.0 - 64bit
> Production
> With the Partitioning, OLAP and Data Mining options
>
> SQL>
> <==== end quote ====>
>
> FWIW, here's the TNSNAMES entry, witht the IP masked.
>
> EPSPD =
> (DESCRIPTION =
> (ADDRESS_LIST =
> (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = 10.xxx.xxx.xxx)(PORT = 1521))
> )
> (CONNECT_DATA =
> (SERVICE_NAME = EPSPD)
> )
> )
>
>
> My expectation is that if TNSPING fails, so should an actual connection
> attempt from the same envrionment.

Are you running the tnsping and sqlplus from the same machine ( server ) as the database instance is on or from a different machine? Are there differences in the domain name suffixes if applicable?

What was "the original problem" that you fixed but don't mention in this posting?

Static IP address for the server?

Did you check if patchset for 10.2 is available in for 2003 server?

Did you start the listener before the database instance came up?

What output does a lsnrctl service show you?

What does your listener.ora look like? How about sqlnet.ora?

What tracing options have you used for tnsping?

Have fun and remember you can always submit the output from a tnsping trace if you wish to oracle support for assistance.

Personally, I haven't found a lot ( ok any ) circumstances where tnsping has helped me. I would recommend always using a "real" client connection such as what sqlplus does but I realize other people do sometimes want to use tnsping. Received on Thu Jun 29 2006 - 09:48:10 CDT