Oracle - What TNS Names file am I using?

Question

Sometimes I get Oracle connection problems because I can't figure out which tnsnames.ora file my database client is using.

What's the best way to figure this out? ++happy for various platform solutions.

Answer 1

Oracle provides a utility called tnsping:

R:\>tnsping someconnection

TNS Ping Utility for 32-bit Windows: Version 9.0.1.3.1 - Production on 27-AUG-20
08 10:38:07

Copyright (c) 1997 Oracle Corporation.  All rights reserved.

Used parameter files:
C:\Oracle92\network\ADMIN\sqlnet.ora
C:\Oracle92\network\ADMIN\tnsnames.ora

TNS-03505: Failed to resolve name

R:\>


R:\>tnsping entpr01

TNS Ping Utility for 32-bit Windows: Version 9.0.1.3.1 - Production on 27-AUG-20
08 10:39:22

Copyright (c) 1997 Oracle Corporation.  All rights reserved.

Used parameter files:
C:\Oracle92\network\ADMIN\sqlnet.ora
C:\Oracle92\network\ADMIN\tnsnames.ora

Used TNSNAMES adapter to resolve the alias
Attempting to contact (DESCRIPTION = (ADDRESS_LIST = (ADDRESS = (COMMUNITY = **)
 (PROTOCOL = TCP) (Host = ****) (Port = 1521))) (CONNECT_DATA = (SID = ENTPR0
1)))
OK (40 msec)

R:\>

This should show what file you're using. The utility sits in the Oracle bin directory.