If using an ERP system authentication method which changed from direct database login to a client-side login mechanism (e.g., centralized authentication, proxy authentication, domain-based login), after this change, when attempting to connect through Toad, the following error appears:
'Proxy connections require an Oracle client'
This indicates that Toad requires an appropriate Oracle Client installation to support proxy authentication or similar authentication workflows, introduced by the ERP changes.
Install or update a compatible Oracle Client on the affected workstation:
Steps
Download from Oracle the appropriate Oracle Client version that matches your environment (32-bit or 64-bit, based on the installed Toad edition).
Install the Oracle Client on the machine.
Restart the machine if prompted.
Launch Toad for Oracle and retry the connection.
Once the Oracle Client is installed, the authentication and connection in Toad should be resolved.
Additional Notes
Ensure Toad for Oracle bitness matches the installed Oracle Client bitness.
If TNS-based login is required, verify that tnsnames.ora is correctly configured.
For environments using proxy or domain authentication, additional configuration may be required based on internal IT policies.
