Connect to Oracle Error - ORA-12154: TNS:could not resolve the connect identifier specified

[rodneyc8063_1]

So this is a bit of an odd question

I am trying to connect from Power BI desktop to an Oracle database

I am able to ping my Oracle database no problem

I can connect via my SQL tool TOAD or SQL Developer no problem to the Oracle database

When I try to connect to the Oracle database when Power BI asks for the "Server" I put in <servername>:PORT/<servicename> and I can connect no problem

BUT

When I try to simply put in the <servicename> it doesnt work

So for example in my tnsnames file I have the following

DEV=
(DESCRIPTION =
(ADDRESS_LIST =
(ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = dev.ca)(PORT = 1521))
)
(CONNECT_DATA =
(SERVICE_NAME = 19DEV)
)
)

So when I simply put in "DEV" into the server text box it doesnt work and times out. When I put in DEV/19DEV then it seems to work

So I just wanted to clarify and confirm when it says "Server" does it explictly mean exactly the server/servicename?

I have some Oracle folks here that are a bit confused as to why they cant just use "DEV" since its defined in their tnsnames.ora file

[theov]

Hello, 

I'd make sure the ora client is installed properly, the string is correct and finally tnsnames.ora is up to date. This video might helps as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpeJrO5tHDc

[Anonymous]

Hi @rodneyc8063_1,

I think these should more relate to oracle configurations, perhaps you can post this to oracle related forum or contact to the oracle support to know more about these connection string and lister definitions.

Regards,

Xiaoxin Sheng

[Greg_Deckler · Accepted solution]

@rodneyc8063_1 That is my understanding yes. The official documentation agrees:

In the Oracle database dialog that appears, provide the name of the Server, and select OK. If a SID is required, specify it by using the format: ServerName/SID, where SID is the unique name of the database. If the ServerName/SID format doesn't work, use ServerName/ServiceName, where ServiceName is the alias you use to connect.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-connect-oracle-database