database link - error ORA-02085 problem

Hello,

I am attempting to create a database link between a production db and another, in order to replicate the production db via snapshots.

I run across a problem which appears to be how Oracle resolves the remote connection. I am not creating a "ORACLE.VNP.COM" connection, but an "ORACLE" connection, and Oracle8i appears to expect those to be the same.

Thank you so much if you have advice and help on this particular subject.

regards,
Peter Urka <pcu_at_vnp.com>
VNP Software

The production db is 'oracle' on machine 'pr.vnp.com'. The replicate db is 'backup' on machine 'life.vnp.com'. The user and password is the same on both machines (for access to table AdTable).
This is under Oracle8i, Windows 2000 platform.

• here is the statement used to create the link; default user & password SQL> create database link ORACLE using 'PR.VNP.COM';

Database link created.

• here is the statement that fails SQL> create snapshot PRS_AdTable storage (initial 4 next 4 pctincrease 0) tablespace PR_SNAPS refresh force start with SYSDATE next SYSDATE+1 with primary key as select * from AdTable_at_ORACLE;

ERROR at line 1:
ORA-02085: database link ORACLE.VNP.COM connects to ORACLE

• here is what the online documentation says about this error ORA-02085 database link string connects to string Cause: The database link attempted to connect to a database with a different name. The name of the database link must be the same name as the name of the database. Action: Create a database link with the same name as the database to which it connects.
• here is the tnsnames.ora file
  # E:\ORACLE\ORA81\NETWORK\ADMIN\TNSNAMES.ORA Configuration
  File:E:\Oracle\Ora81\NETWORK\ADMIN\tnsnames.ora
  # Generated by Oracle Net8 Assistant
  

BACKUP.VNP.COM =
  (DESCRIPTION =
    (ADDRESS_LIST =
      (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = LIFE)(PORT = 1521))     )
    (CONNECT_DATA =
      (SERVICE_NAME = backup)
    )
  )

PR.VNP.COM =
  (DESCRIPTION =
    (ADDRESS_LIST =
      (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = PR)(PORT = 1521))     )
    (CONNECT_DATA =
      (SERVICE_NAME = oracle)
    )
  )

• here is the sqlnet.ora file
  # E:\ORACLE\ORA81\NETWORK\ADMIN\SQLNET.ORA Configuration
  File:E:\Oracle\Ora81\network\admin\sqlnet.ora
  # Generated by Oracle Net8 Assistant
  

# commented out by me
# NAMES.DEFAULT_DOMAIN = VNP.COM
SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES= (NTS) Received on Wed Mar 29 2000 - 00:00:00 CEST