The following error occurs during connection and when opening the Database Browser window:
"TNSnames.ora file was not found"
All other modules work fine and are able to connect to the database.
The TNSnames.ora does not exist in default Oracle_Home NETWORKADMIN path. Database Browser must use the TNSnames.ora file because it is used to populate the left hand tree that shows all the DB servers.
RESOLUTION 1:
1. Close Toad.
2. Go to Start | Run and type regedit.
3. Drill down to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE | Software | ORACLE | %Oracle_Home_Name%
4. On the right, there should be an entry "TNS_ADMIN", make sure the path is set correctly the default Oracle Client's Oracle_Home path.
NOTE: If there are multiple Oracle Clients on one machine, make sure the TNSnames.ora file exists in the default Oracle Home that Toad is using.
RESOLUTION 2:
Check to see if you have the DatabaseBrowser.tdb file in Toad.
(For Toad for Oracle 9.7.2 or higher)
1. Close Toad.
2. Browse to default folder - C:\Documents and Settings\Application Data\Quest Software\Toad for Oracle\User Files\.
3. Check to see if you have the file called DatabaseBrowser.tdb.
(For Toad for Oracle 9.6.1 or lower)
1. Close Toad.
2. Browse to default folder - C:\Program Files\Quest Software\Toad for Oracle\User Files\.
3. Check to see if you have the file called DatabaseBrowser.tdb.
If the file does not exist, contact support to obtain a new one or retrieve it from a co-worker.
RESOLUTION 3:
Define a TNS_ADMIN variable to globalize the location of the TNSnames.ora file.
1. Close Toad.
2. Go to Control Panel | System | Advanced | Environment Variables and select NEW button under System Variables list.
3. Enter TNS_ADMIN for the variable name and for the variable value type in C:\TNSnames.
4. Then manually create a folder called TNSnames in your (C:) drive and paste your TNSnames.ora file there.
5. Re-launch Toad and re-test the issue.
Disclaimer : Quest does not provide support for problems that arise from improper modification of the registry. The Windows registry contains information critical to your computer and applications. Make sure you back up the registry before modifying it. For more information on the Windows Registry Editor and how to back up and restore it, refer to Microsoft Article ID 256986 "Description of the Microsoft Windows registry": http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=256986
