New Error ORA-12154 TNS:could not resolve the connect identifier specified.

[Anonymous]

I've searched here for a solution to this problem, but found none that matches my scenario.

I am able to connect to the Oracle database using Oracle SQL Developer. Two weeks ago, I was able to connect to the same database using Power BI. I have since applied the November updates to Power BI. I'm using a "Recent Sources" selection from Desktop, so clearly I have connected to it in the recent past.

I'm also getting a message recommending that I install Oracle.DataAccess.Client. I never got this message before today. Does this have anything to do with the error I'm getting?

Has anyone had any success fixing this problem? If I can connect through SQL Developer, why can't I connect through Power BI again?

Thanks.

Sara

[v-yulgu-msft]

Hi @Anonymous,

To connect to Oracle DB from Power BI desktop, you neeed to install Oracle client first. Once that is installed, verify that the tnsnames.ora file is properly configured and you are using the proper net_service_name.  Power BI Desktop and the gateway will go off of the net_service_name defined in the tnsnames.ora file. If it isn't configured, you will not be able to connect.

Here are two similar threads, please check whether the solution mentioned works for you:

On premise Gateway and an Oracle Datasouce

Oracle connectivity issue for Power BI

Best regards,

Yuliana Gu

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

I fixed my problem.

I originally created the data source in Power BI 64-bit, but tried to use it with Power BI 32-bit (I wanted to try the "Analyze in Excel" feature and needed the add-in to match my version of Excel which is 32-bit. It ended up not working because we don' have an Azure account).

I opened Power BI 64-bit, and tried to connect to the Oracle db, and was successful! Also, I have Oracle client 32-bit on my computer, so I'm not entirely sure why this error occurred. I've since uninstalled Power BI 32-bit.

If anyone can shed light on this issue, I welcome your comments. I'm not an actual user of Power BI, but I will have to support its use in my company, so I thought I should know how to connect to different sources.

[Anonymous]

I have Oracle client installed. Like I said I can connect to the Oracle db through SQL Developer, was able to connect to same database two weeks ago using Power BI.  The TNSNAME.ORA file is in the same place it has always been. What I need to figure out is why I was able to connect to Oracle at one time, and no longer can.

Thanks for responding.