Test connection failed because of an error in initializing the provider

Error Message

When using the Microsoft OLE DB provider for Oracle to establish a connection to an Oracle database in ArcCatalog, if the network service name is incorrectly entered in the Data Link Properties menu, the following error is returned:

"Test connection failed because of an error in initializing the provider. ORA<error number> TNS:Listener could not resolve SERVICE-NAME given in the connect descriptor."

Cause

Although the Microsoft Data Link Properties menu asks for the server name, it is the Oracle network service name (instance) that is required to make a successful connection.

Solution or Workaround