OEM Configuration Assistant problem

Platform: Win2K, Oracle 8.1.7.0.0, OEM packs 2.2.0

We're looking at several DBA tools -- OEM, BMC Patrol, and Quest Spotlight. I am currently trying to set up OEM for evaluation and have run into a problem with the OEM configuration assistant.

All work is being done on an old server that I use for this kind of 'lab' work.

First, I installed Oracle 8.1.7 and created a db that was destined to become my repository.

Next, I tried to install OEM and the Tuning, Change, and Diagnostic packs from a separate OEM CD. On the first attempt I tried to install into a separate OEM home, selecting a typical install of OEM, infrastructure, and management packs. The the installer said that OEM was already installed.

Next I tried to do a 'typical' install of just the management packs into the same Oracle home as the databae and the supposedly already installed OEM. This installation completed.

Next I brought up OEM configuration assistant (it didn't start automatically at the end of installation like the docs suggested it would). Configuration seemed to be going fine until it stopped because my TOOLS tablespace (which I had specified as the default for the OEM user) was too small. So I added another file to the tablespace (tripling the total TS size) and restarted OEM config assistant. This produced what appeard to be a command prompt window with the message "Oracle Enterprise Manager Version 2.2.0.0.0 - Configuration Assistant" and just hung there.

Thinking that perhaps there might be a problem with a partially created repository, I dropped the OEM user and tried the config assistant again. This produced the same result, that is, what appears to be a hung command prompt window.

After leaving it alone for a while to mull things over, I came back and tried again. This time the config asst. came right up. And again failed while trying to create the repository, due to running out of space in the OEM user's default tablespace. Added file (doubling the TS size), dropped user, and restarted config assist. Again, seem to be hung at the command prompt window.

Which is where I'm left hanging . . . .

The last time I tried to work w/ OEM (with an early 8.0 installation) it struck me as being pretty 'brittle', which is why we never got into it. This time it's not doing anything to make me re-think my earlier opinion. Yet, I know there are people out there managing fairly large enterprises with OEM and they think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Any suggestions or observations?

--
Ed Stevens
(Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of my employer.)