Is there a tnsnames.ora file in your /etc directory? See Documentation: http://download-west.oracle.com/docs/html/A97297_01/ch5_net.htm#BIIFHAJH Hope that helps. -----Original Message----- From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Rusnak, George A. (SEC-Lee) CTR Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 10:59 AM To: oracle-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: TNS_ADMIN Group, HOST MACHINE: HP-UX B.11.11 U 9000/800 ORACLE : Oracle9i Enterprise Edition Rel. 9.2.0.5.0 - 64 bit LISTENER: Version 10.1.0.2.0 TNSNAMES.ORA: ls -lai $ORACLE_HOME/network/admin/tnsnames.ora -rw-r--r-- 1 oracle dba 6546 Nov 3 13:11 /opt/oracle/product/9.2.0/network/admin/tnsnames.ora PROBLEM: rusnakga>unset TNS_ADMIN SQL> select count(*) from ses_army@csucmis; from ses_army@csucmis * ERROR at line 2: ORA-12154: TNS:could not resolve service name rusnakga>export TNS_ADMIN=$ORACLE_HOME/network/admin SQL> select count(*) from ses_army@csucmis; COUNT(*) ---------- 3 QUESTION: The tnsnames.ora is in the default location and it is not found until TNS_ADMIN is set. How do I find out where TNS_ADMIN is pointing at the system level, if there is such a thing ? Why do I have to set TNS_ADMIN at the session level ????? TIA, Al Rusnak Oracle Certified Professional DBA - CISIS, Computer Operations * 804-734-8210 * george.rusnak@xxxxxxxx -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l