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Syndicate_Admin
Administrator
Administrator

ODBC Gateway Connection Error

Hello

I'm trying to set up a gateway in the power bi services to an ORACLE database, I'm doing it using ODBC.

I have the following steps done and validated.

  1. I installed the gateway on the machine.
  2. I have installed the oracle client.
  3. I have configured in tsnames.ora with the data from the database.
  4. I have configured the DSN which retrieves the database data previously configured in the tsnames, the connection is successful.
  5. I have connected from power bi on the machine by ODBC to the database and can connect and extract data without problems.
  6. When parameterizing the gateway in the power bi services I get the following error:

MarioYepes_0-1732642242383.png

You may need to consider some security-related settings on the machine?

I appreciate your help.

Thank you

1 REPLY 1
Ritaf1983
Super User
Super User

Hi @Syndicate_Admin 

The issue occurs when setting up a gateway in Power BI Service to connect to an Oracle database via ODBC. The error indicates that the TNS name cannot be resolved (ORA-12154).

Solution:
To resolve this, ensure the gateway type is correctly configured, verify the tnsnames.ora and credentials setup, and align the configurations across Power BI Desktop, the gateway, and Power BI Service. Follow these steps:

1. Set the Correct Gateway Type
Install the Standard Mode Gateway, not the Personal Mode Gateway.
Standard Mode is required for shared connections and to allow Power BI Service to access the gateway.
2. Verify Configuration in Desktop and Service
In Power BI Desktop:

Confirm the ODBC connection uses valid Oracle credentials (username/password).
Refresh the dataset to ensure the connection works correctly locally.
In Power BI Service:

Go to the dataset settings (Settings > Datasets).
Under Gateway Connection, select the configured gateway.
Enter the credentials in Data Source Credentials (Oracle username/password).
Use the Test Connection button to validate the configuration.
3. Check tnsnames.ora and Environment Variables
Ensure the tnsnames.ora file is correctly configured and error-free.
Verify the TNS_ADMIN environment variable points to the folder containing the tnsnames.ora file.
Restart the machine after setting TNS_ADMIN.
4. Test the Connection
Use the tnsping command to test connectivity to the Oracle database:
bash
Copy code
tnsping <TNS_ALIAS>

 

+
Try follow the linked video guide (3 videos):
https://www.youtube.com/@fishleaf/search?query=oracle

Ritaf1983_0-1732679199167.png

If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

 

Regards,
Rita Fainshtein | Microsoft MVP
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-fainshtein/
Blog : https://www.madeiradata.com/profile/ritaf/profile

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