Forum Discussion
PowerBI desktop 64Bit oracle connection error Object reference not set to an instance of an object
- 10 years ago
Hi Viveka,
I'm definitely not an expert on Oracle databases or connecting to them. I can only tell you what worked for me. One thing I notice is that you installed the "Xcopy" files and I'm wondering if for some reason you didn't get all the files you need.
Also, there are several posts under the subject "Oracle" that have useful info that may help you. If you do decide to reinstall the Oracle components, you need to uninstall what you've already done first.
Here's what I recently did on one of our machines that worked for me.
- I downloaded the 64-bit ODAC121024_x64.zip file rather than the "Xcopy" file.
- Put the zip file into a temporary directory and unzip it there. Make sure that there are no spaces in the directory name or path to it.
- When you've unzipped it, you should see the "setup" application. Run that and eventually you'll see the "configuration installer". You should be able to stay with the defaults for most steps.
- When you get to the "DB Connection Configuration" step, it's important that you fill in the requested information. Here are some tips.
Connection Alias
Enter what you want to name this database. When you get data in Power BI, you’ll use this as the “Server Name”.
Port Number
(default 1521) only change if necessary for your database
Database Host Name
This is how the database is found in your network. May be an IP address for the database server.
Database Service Name
(default to ORCL) This may be different for your database
This is important since the installer sets up the tnsnames.ora file that the database client uses to connect with the Oracle database. - After you made the entries, finish the installation process and reboot your machine.
You should now be able to get to your Oracle database with Power BI when you use "Get Data" and select the "Oracle" database option.
- 10 years ago
Hi Bfrancis,
Thanks a lot for your valuable solution and it works for me. I have uninstalled all oracle components and then install the ODAC121024_x64.zip and it works for me like a charm.
Earlirt I have installed 64-bit ODAC 12c Release 4 (12.1.0.2.4) Xcopy for Windows x64 as recommended by Power BI, Link
Regards,
Viveka
,
Try rebooting your machine after the install and see if the problem goes away. That darn 1990's Oracle software gets in the way sometimes . . .
- vnchoudhary10 years agoFrequent Visitor
I have restarted my machine, and geting same issue. Please suggest.
- bfrancis10 years agoAdvocate I
Hi Viveka,
I'm definitely not an expert on Oracle databases or connecting to them. I can only tell you what worked for me. One thing I notice is that you installed the "Xcopy" files and I'm wondering if for some reason you didn't get all the files you need.
Also, there are several posts under the subject "Oracle" that have useful info that may help you. If you do decide to reinstall the Oracle components, you need to uninstall what you've already done first.
Here's what I recently did on one of our machines that worked for me.
- I downloaded the 64-bit ODAC121024_x64.zip file rather than the "Xcopy" file.
- Put the zip file into a temporary directory and unzip it there. Make sure that there are no spaces in the directory name or path to it.
- When you've unzipped it, you should see the "setup" application. Run that and eventually you'll see the "configuration installer". You should be able to stay with the defaults for most steps.
- When you get to the "DB Connection Configuration" step, it's important that you fill in the requested information. Here are some tips.
Connection Alias
Enter what you want to name this database. When you get data in Power BI, you’ll use this as the “Server Name”.
Port Number
(default 1521) only change if necessary for your database
Database Host Name
This is how the database is found in your network. May be an IP address for the database server.
Database Service Name
(default to ORCL) This may be different for your database
This is important since the installer sets up the tnsnames.ora file that the database client uses to connect with the Oracle database. - After you made the entries, finish the installation process and reboot your machine.
You should now be able to get to your Oracle database with Power BI when you use "Get Data" and select the "Oracle" database option.
- tokychu4 years agoNew Member
Hi,
Just sharing for your reference.
If I use Power BI desktop get from app store, I cannot connect to Oracle database with error like you. Howerver, if I use Power BI desktop downloaded from web, I can connect normally with no error.
Kind regards,
Tokychu