Dot.NET Oracle database problem

Situation:<br>We’re supposed to connect to the test Database(Oracle 9i) in a remote server from a local PC using VB.net.<br><br>The 2 providers we tested are:<br>Microsoft OLE DB provider for Oracle<br>Microsoft OLE DB provider for ODBC drivers<br><br>We’re not sure if they are the correct ones to be used.<br><br>When we tested the connection with “Microsoft OLE DB provider for Oracle”. The following data link error was prompted.<br><br>Error message :<br>“Test connection failed becos of an error in initializing provider. Oracle Client and Networking components were not found. These components are supplied by Oracle Corporation and are part of the Oracle version 7.3.3 or later client software installation. Provider is unable to function until these components are installed.”<br><br>Next we tested the connection with “Microsoft OLE DB provider for ODBC drivers”.( which is also another driver for .NET and Oracle). The connection test was successful. We are able to preview the tables in the DB <br>However, when we try to drag a table from the solution explorer into the web-form the following error was shown. <br><br>Error message : “You cannot use an OLE DB provider for ODBC drivers.”<br><br>Please recommend us any drivers you think would be appropriate to connect Microsoft visual studio .NET and Oracle DB that is currently being used.<br><br>Also should we install the driver in our local PC or in the remote server side where the DB is located?<br><br>Also we’re not sure about what the problem really is. Please advice us and provide us with any assistance.

Hi,

When you try to connect to an oracle database, you have to have installed the Oracle Middleware called Net8 before. To install the drivers, you should have them on your server's CDs. You can install only the client part of the software. After this you have to configure a file called tnsnames.ora which will make the connection between the client and the server. To configure this file, please refer to the examples provided with oracle 9i.

Once you have done that, you should be able to connect to your database throught the Oracle OLEDB driver you will have installed.

I hope it will help !

Denis