Install tips for Oracle 10g

If you are install Oracle 10g Enterprise Edition on XP with a dynamic IP address from a DHCP server you may encounter a couple of errors during installation.

Here is what I did to get around those errors and get it working.

First, if you get a warning during the Prerequisite checks which states that you need a Loopback Adapter then follow the instructions from this link to install it: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/839013

After you install the Microsoft Loopback Adapter, you may have to configure the IP address to a static IP in the 192.168.x.x range for it to work properly. After its installed you should pass the prerequisite checks.

The next error you may encounter will be a ORA-12638: Credential retrieval failed error. This can be worked around by editing your sqlnet.ora file. This file can be found in you C:\oracle\....\db_1\NETWORK\ADMIN folder if you install in the default folders. You can use Wordpad to edit it and make the following change:
Original Entry - SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES= (NTS)

Modified Entry - SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES= (NONE)

I hope these tips are helpful. If you are still having trouble getting Enterprise Edition to work, I would suggest completely disinstalling it and installing the Personal Edition. With the Personal Edition you won't be able to manage your databases remotely over a network and you won't have access to the Enterprise Management Module, but you can still do your homework using the SQL Plus without any trouble.

Welcome to CIS50!

Please post any notes or questions for classmates about the course. For example, it would be helpful to post the steps you used to install. Others may find it helpful.