ORA-12637: Packet receive failed (500 points)

how can i change the parameters? please tell me, i am not an oracle expert.

i am using oracle 8i, i have not told this one earlier.

this needs to bet setup at the oracle server side. do u have the necessary permission to have this done in the server side.
if u have then add the following lines to the listener.ora file


INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT=5
INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT_listener_name=4


listener_name is the name of your listener

Metalink info:
Error: ORA-12637 / TNS-12637
Text: Packet receive failed
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cause: A process was unable to receive a packet from another process.
Possible causes are: 1. The other process was terminated. 2. The
machine on which the other process is running went down. 3. Some other
communications error occurred.
Action: If the cause is not obvious, contact Oracle Customer Support.

thanks for the excerpt from the oracle messages doc. anand.
but I would assume that the oracle customer support will also be giving the same suggestion about the connection timeout.

You may have to trace the connection to check the reason for the failure.
Verify the error trace file generated in the client, adding to the sqlnet.ora:
TRACE_LEVEL_CLIENT=16
TRACE_DIRECTORY_CLIENT=<VALID DIRECTORY>
TRACE_FILE_CLIENT=NET.TRC

dsine>> I am not aware of all the reasons for the given problem. Maybe you have already encountered it. I am just trying in my way to locate the error. Secondly, I am trying to give additional information about what Oracle says about the problem. Thirdly I had not seen your comment while posting my two comments.

hey sorry out there anand.. i really meant thanks for the thing.. it would help the person understand the scope of the trouble.

no hard feelings man
anyways back to the problem. I think the best option would be to first have a look at increasing the itmouts.. since the most cases there are firewalls etc tht delay the connection .. so u may like to try out and see

it does not solve the problem. i am working on the server and still getting the message.

the contents of listener.ora is :(after the modification suggested by you):
# C:\ORACLE\ORA81\NETWORK\ADMIN\LISTENER.ORA Configuration File:C:\Oracle\Ora81\NETWORK\ADMIN\listener.ora
# Generated by Oracle Net8 Assistant

BSOLISTNER =
  (DESCRIPTION_LIST =
    (DESCRIPTION =
      (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = IPC)(KEY = EXTPROC0))
      (PROTOCOL_STACK =
        (PRESENTATION = TTC)
        (SESSION = NS)
      )
    )
    (DESCRIPTION =
      (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = bhsodc01)(PORT = 1521))
      (PROTOCOL_STACK =
        (PRESENTATION = TTC)
        (SESSION = NS)
      )
    )
    (DESCRIPTION =
      (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = bhsodc01)(PORT = 2481))
      (PROTOCOL_STACK =
        (PRESENTATION = GIOP)
        (SESSION = RAW)
      )
    )
  )

SID_LIST_BSOLISTNER =
  (SID_LIST =
    (SID_DESC =
      (SID_NAME = PLSExtProc)
      (ORACLE_HOME = C:\Oracle\Ora81)
      (PROGRAM = extproc)
    )
    (SID_DESC =
      (GLOBAL_DBNAME = IOCLBHSO)
      (SID_NAME = ioclbhso)
    )
    (SID_DESC =
      (GLOBAL_DBNAME = gdata)
      (SID_NAME = gdata)
    )
  )

TRACE_LEVEL_BSOLISTNER = USER

INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT=15
INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT_listener_name=14


contents of LISTENER.ORA is :

# copyright (c) 1997 by the Oracle Corporation
#
# NAME
#   listener.ora
# FUNCTION
#   Network Listener startup parameter file example
# NOTES
#   This file contains all the parameters for listener.ora,
#   and could be used to configure the listener by uncommenting
#   and changing values.  Multiple listeners can be configured
#   in one listener.ora, so listener.ora parameters take the form
#   of SID_LIST_<lsnr>, where <lsnr> is the name of the listener
#   this parameter refers to.  All parameters and values are
#   case-insensitive.

# <lsnr>
#   This parameter specifies both the name of the listener, and
#   it listening address(es). Other parameters for this listener
#   us this name in place of <lsnr>.  When not specified,
#   the name for <lsnr> defaults to "LISTENER", with the default
#   address value as shown below.
#
# LISTENER =
#  (ADDRESS_LIST=
#      (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=localhost)(PORT=1521))
#      (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=ipc)(KEY=PNPKEY)))      

# SID_LIST_<lsnr>
#   List of services the listener knows about and can connect
#   clients to.  There is no default.  See the Net8 Administrator's
#   Guide for more information.
#
# SID_LIST_LISTENER=
#   (SID_LIST=
#      (SID_DESC=
#                  #BEQUEATH CONFIG
#          (GLOBAL_DBNAME=salesdb.mycompany)
#          (SID_NAME=sid1)                  
#          (ORACLE_HOME=/private/app/oracle/product/8.0.3)
#                  #PRESPAWN CONFIG
#         (PRESPAWN_MAX=20)
#        (PRESPAWN_LIST=
#           (PRESPAWN_DESC=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(POOL_SIZE=2)(TIMEOUT=1))
#         )
#        )
#       )
      
# PASSWORDS_<lsnr>
#   Specifies a password to authenticate stopping the listener.
#   Both encrypted and plain-text values can be set.  Encrypted passwords
#   can be set and stored using lsnrctl.  
#     LSNRCTL> change_password
#       Will prompt for old and new passwords, and use encryption both
#       to match the old password and to set the new one.
#     LSNRCTL> set password
#      Will prompt for the new password, for authentication with
#       the listener. The password must be set before running the next
#       command.
#     LSNRCTL> save_config
#       Will save the changed password to listener.ora. These last two
#       steps are not necessary if SAVE_CONFIG_ON_STOP_<lsnr> is ON.
#       See below.
#
# Default: NONE
#
# PASSWORDS_LISTENER = 20A22647832FB454      # "foobar"

# SAVE_CONFIG_ON_STOP_<lsnr>
#   Tells the listener to save configuration changes to listener.ora when
#   it shuts down.  Changed parameter values will be written to the file,
#   while preserving formatting and comments.
# Default: OFF
# Values: ON/OFF
#
# SAVE_CONFIG_ON_STOP_LISTENER = ON

# USE_PLUG_AND_PLAY_<lsnr>
#   Tells the listener to contact an Onames server and register itself
#   and its services with Onames.
# Values: ON/OFF
# Default: OFF
#
# USE_PLUG_AND_PLAY_LISTENER = ON

# LOG_FILE_<lsnr>
#   Sets the name of the listener's log file.  The .log extension
#   is added automatically.
# Default=<lsnr>
#
# LOG_FILE_LISTENER = lsnr

# LOG_DIRECTORY_<lsnr>
#   Sets the directory for the listener's log file.
# Default: <oracle_home>/network/log
#
# LOG_DIRECTORY_LISTENER = /private/app/oracle/product/8.0.3/network/log

# TRACE_LEVEL_<lsnr>
#   Specifies desired tracing level.
# Default: OFF
# Values: OFF/USER/ADMIN/SUPPORT/0-16
#
# TRACE_LEVEL_LISTENER = SUPPORT

# TRACE_FILE_<lsnr>
#   Sets the name of the listener's trace file. The .trc extension
#   is added automatically.
# Default: <lsnr>
#
# TRACE_FILE_LISTENER = lsnr

# TRACE_DIRECTORY_<lsnr>
#   Sets the directory for the listener's trace file.
# Default: <oracle_home>/network/trace
#
# TRACE_DIRECTORY_LISTENER=/private/app/oracle/product/8.0.3/network/trace
# CONNECT_TIMEOUT_<lsnr>
#   Sets the number of seconds that the listener waits to get a
#   valid database query after it has been started.
# Default: 10
#
# CONNECT_TIMEOUT_LISTENER=10
# INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT=15
# INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT_listener_name=14

pls help.

hey guys, the server on which this oracle server resides is  windows 2003.

INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT_listener_name=14

change the listener_name to the name of the listener for your server. you can find thename int he listener.ora file on the server

it does not helps by doing that as i am still getting the errors

the sqlnet.log file is as follows (last parts):


***********************************************************************
Fatal NI connect error 12638, connecting to:
 (DESCRIPTION=(LOCAL=YES)(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=beq)))

  VERSION INFORMATION:
      TNS for 32-bit Windows: Version 8.1.5.0.0 - Production
      Oracle Bequeath NT Protocol Adapter for 32-bit Windows: Version 8.1.5.0.0 - Production
  Time: 06-SEP-03 12:32:25
  Tracing not turned on.
  Tns error struct:
    nr err code: 0
    ns main err code: 12638
    TNS-12638: Credential retrieval failed
    ns secondary err code: 0
    nt main err code: 0
    nt secondary err code: 0
    nt OS err code: 0


***********************************************************************
Fatal NI connect error 12638, connecting to:
 (DESCRIPTION=(LOCAL=YES)(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=beq)))

  VERSION INFORMATION:
      TNS for 32-bit Windows: Version 8.1.5.0.0 - Production
      Oracle Bequeath NT Protocol Adapter for 32-bit Windows: Version 8.1.5.0.0 - Production
  Time: 06-SEP-03 12:32:25
  Tracing not turned on.
  Tns error struct:
    nr err code: 0
    ns main err code: 12638
    TNS-12638: Credential retrieval failed
    ns secondary err code: 0
    nt main err code: 0
    nt secondary err code: 0
    nt OS err code: 0


may be you could solve the problem by analyzing this.

by default you are using listener ....so
INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT_listener=14 will be ok

i have done this but still getting the errors, please see the sqlnet.log file whose last parts i have copied in my previous comment.

can you post the sqlnet.ora file?
Try removing(# to remark out) any SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION or ENCRYPTION parameters in the client or server ORACLE_HOME/network/admin/SQLNET.ORA files. Be sure to back up any files before edit.

>>by default you are using listener ....so
>>INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT_listener=14 will be ok
sorry for this wrong comment.

here i sqlnet.ora:

# C:\ORACLE\ORA81\NETWORK\ADMIN\SQLNET.ORA Configuration File:C:\Oracle\Ora81\NETWORK\ADMIN\sqlnet.ora
# Generated by Oracle Net8 Assistant

NAMES.DEFAULT_DOMAIN = er.xyz

SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES= (NTS)

SQLNET.EXPIRE_TIME = 0

NAMES.DIRECTORY_PATH= (HOSTNAME, TNSNAMES, ONAMES)

TRACE_LEVEL_CLIENT=16

TRACE_DIRECTORY_CLIENT=<VALID DIRECTORY>

TRACE_FILE_CLIENT=NET.TRC



also i have changed the name as suggested to BSOLISTNER in listener.ora but it does not helps

is this the file:

SQLNET.ORA

# copyright (c) 1996 by the Oracle Corporation
#
# NAME
#   sqlnet.ora
# FUNCTION
#   Oracle Network Client startup parameter file example
# NOTES
#   This file contains examples and instructions for defining all
#   Oracle Network Client parameters. It should be possible to read
#   this file and setup a Client by uncommenting parameter definitions
#   and substituting values. The comments should provide enough
#   explanation to enable a reasonable user to manage his TNS connections
#   without having to resort to 'real' documentation.
# SECTIONS
#   ONames Client
#   Namesctl
#   Native Naming Adpaters
#   ...
# MODIFIED
#    jtran      03/24/98 - add radius configuration
#    skanjila   06/06/97 - Correct default for Automatic_IPC
#    eminer     05/15/97 - Add the relevant onrsd parameters.
#    asriniva   04/23/97 - Merge with version from doc
#    ggilchri   03/31/97 - mods
#    bvasudev   02/07/97 - Change sqlnet.authentication_services documentation
#    bvasudev   11/25/96 - Merge sqlnet.ora transport related parameters
#    asriniva   11/12/96 - Revise with new OSS parameters.
#    asriniva   11/05/96 - Add ANO parameters.
# ____________________________________________________________________

# - ONames Client ----------------------------------------------------
#
#names.default_domain = world
#
#Syntax:  domain-name
#Default: NULL
#
# Indicates the domain from which the client most often requests names. When
# this parameter is set the default domain name (for example, US.ACME), the
# domain name will be automatically appended to any unqualified name in an
# ONAmes request (query, register, deregister, etc). Any name which contains
# an unescaped dot ('.') will not have the default domain appended. Simple
# names may be qualified with a trailing dot (for example 'rootserver.').
#
#
#names.initial_retry_timeout = 30
#
#Syntax:  1-600 seconds
#Default: 15 (OSD)
#
# Determines how long a client will wait for a response from a Names Server
# before reiterating the request to the next server in the preferred_servers
# list.
#
#
#names.max_open_connections = 3
#
#Syntax:  3-64
#Default: ADDRS in preferred_servers
#
# Determines how many connections an ONames client may have open at one time.
# Clients will ordinarily keep connections to servers open once they are
# established until the operation (or session in namesctl) is complete. A
# connection will be opened whenever needed, and if the maximum would be
# exceeded the least recently used connection will be closed.
#
#
#names.message_pool_start_size = 10
#
#Syntax:  3-256
#Default: 10
#
# Determines the initial number of messages allocated in the client's message
# pool. This pool provides the client with pre-allocated messages to be used
# for requests to ONames servers. Messages which are in the pool and unused
# may be reused. If a message is needed and no free messages are available in
# the pool more will be allocated.
#
#
#names.preferred_servers = (address_list =
#  (address=(protocol=ipc)(key=n23))
#  (address=(protocol=tcp)(host=nineva)(port=1383))
#  (address=(protocol=tcp)(host=cicada)(port=1575))
# )
#
#Syntax:  ADDR_LIST
#Default: Well-Known (OSD)
#
# Specifies a list of ONames servers in the client's region; requests will be
# sent to each ADDRESS in the list until a response is recieved, or the list
# (and number of retries) is exhausted.
#
# Addresses of the following form specify that messages to the ONames server
# should use Oracle Remote Operations (RPC):
#
#     (description =
#       (address=(protocol=tcp)(host=nineva)(port=1383))
#       (connect_data=(rpc=on))
#     )
#
#
#
#names.request_retries = 2
#
#Syntax:  1-5
#Default: 1
#
# Specifies the number of times the client should try each server in the list
# of preferred_servers before allowing the operation to fail.
#
#
#names.directory_path
#
#Syntax:  <adapter-name>
#Default: TNSNAMES,ONAMES,HOSTNAME
#
# Sets the (ordered) list of naming adaptors to use in resolving a name.
# The default is as shown for 3.0.2 of sqlnet onwards. The default was
# (TNSNAMES, ONAMES) before that. The value can be presented without
# parentheses if only a single entry is being specified. The parameter is
# recognized from version 2.3.2 of sqlnet onward. Acceptable values include:
#  TNSNAMES -- tnsnames.ora lookup
#  ONAMES   -- Oracle Names
#  HOSTNAME -- use the hostname (or an alias of the hostname)
#  NIS      -- NIS (also known as "yp")
#  CDS      -- OSF DCE's Cell Directory Service
#  NDS      -- Novell's Netware Directory Service
#
# - Client Cache (ONRSD) ---------------------------------------------
names.addresses = (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=IPC)(KEY=ONAMES))

Syntax:  ADDR
Default: (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=IPC)(KEY=ONAMES))

 Address on which the client cache listens (is available to clients).
 Any valid TNS address is allowed. The default should be used if at
 all possible; clients have this entry hardwired as the first line
 of their server-list file (sdns.ora). If the address is set to a
 non-default value the client's preferred_servers parameter should
 be set to include the client-cache address first.


names.authority_required = False

Syntax:  T/F
Default: False

 Determines whether system querys (for the root etc) require Authoritative
 answers.


names.auto_refresh_expire = 259200

Syntax:  Number of seconds, 60-1209600
Default: 259200

 This is the amount of time (in seconds) the server will cache the addresses
 of servers listed in server-list file (sdns.ora). When this time expires the
 server will issue another query to the servers in those regions to refresh
 the data.


names.auto_refresh_retry = 180

Syntax:  Number of seconds, 60-3600
Default: sec.      180

 This set how often the server will retry when the auto_refresh query fails.


names.cache_checkpoint_file = cache.ckp

Syntax:  filename
Default: $ORACLE_HOME/network/names/ckpcch.ora

 Specifies the name of the operating system file to which the Names Server
 writes its foreign data cache.


names.cache_checkpoint_interval = 7200

Syntax:  Number of seconds, 10-259200
Default: 0 (off)

 Indicates the interval at which a Names Server writes a checkpoint of its
 data cache to the checkpoint file.


names.default_forwarders=
 (FORWARDER_LIST=
    (FORWARDER=
       (NAME= rootserv1.world)
       (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(PORT=42100)(HOST=roothost))))

Syntax:  Name-Value/address_list
Default: NULL

 A list (in NV form) of the addresses of other servers which should be used to
 forward querys while in default_forwarder (slave) mode. NAME is the global
 names for the server to which forwards whould be directed, and ADDRESS is its
 address.


names.default_forwarders_only = True

Syntax:  T/F
Default: False

 When set to true this server will use the servers listed in default_forwarders
 to forward all operations which involve data in foreign regions. Otherwise it
 will use the servers defined in the server-list file (sdns.ora) in addition
 to any defined in the default_forwarders parameter.


names.log_directory = /oracle/network/log

Syntax:  directory
Default: $ORACLE_HOME/network/log

 Indicates the name of the directory where the log file for Names Server
 operational events are written.


names.log_file = names.log

Syntax:  filename
Default: names.log

 The name of the output file to which Names Server operational events are
 written.

names.log_stats_interval = 3600

Syntax:  Number of seconds, 10-ub4max
Default: sec.      0 (off)

Specifies the number of seconds between statistical entries in log file.

names.log_unique = False

Syntax:  T/F
Default: False

 If set to true the server will guarantee that the log file will have a unique
 name which will not overwrite any existing files (note that log files are
 appended to, so log information will not be lost if log_unique is not true).

names.max_open_connections = 10

Syntax:  3-64
Default: 10

 Specifies the number of connections that the Names Server can have open at any
 given time. The value is generated as the value 10 or the sum of one
 connection for listening, five for clients, plus one for each foreign domain
 defined in the local administrative region, whichever is greater. Any
 operation which requires the server to open a network connection will use
 an already open connection if it is available, or will open a connection
 if not. Higher settings will save time and cost network resources; lower
 settings save network resources, cost time.


names.max_reforwards = 2

Syntax:  1-15
Default: 2

 The maximum number of times the server will attempt to forward a certain
 operation.


names.message_pool_start_size = 24

Syntax:  3-256
Default: 10

 Determines the initial number of messages allocated in the server's message
 pool. This pool provides the server with pre-allocated messages to be used
 for incoming or outgoing messages (forwards). Messages which are in the pool
 and unused may be reused. If a message is needed and no free messages are
 available in the pool more will be allocated.


names.no_modify_requests = False

Syntax:  T/F
Default: False

 If set to true, the server will refuse any operations which modify the
 data in its region (it will still save foreign info in the cache which is
 returned from foreign querys).


names.password = 625926683431AA55

Syntax:  encrypted string
Default: NULL

 If set the server will require that the user provide a password in his
 namesctl session (either with sqlnet.ora:namesctl.server_password or 'set
 password') in order to do 'sensitive' operations, like stop, restart, reload.
 This parameter is generally set in encrypted form, so it can not be set
 manually.

names.reset_stats_interval = 3600

Syntax:  10-ub4max
Default: 0 (off)

 Specifies the number of seconds during which the statistics collected by the
 Names Servers should accumulate. At the frequency specified, they are reset
 to zero. The default value of 0 means never reset statistics.


names.trace_directory = /oracle/network/trace

Syntax:  directory
Default: $ORACLE_HOME/network/trace

 Indicates the name of the directory to which trace files from a Names Server
 trace session are written.


names.trace_file = names.trc

Syntax:  filename
Default: names.trc

 Indicates the name of the output file from a Names Server trace session.


names.trace_func # NA

Syntax:  T/F
Default: False

 Internal mechanism to control tracing by function name.


names.trace_level = ADMIN

Syntax:  T/F
Default: False

Syntax:  {OFF,USER,ADMIN,0-16}
Default: OFF (0)

 Indicates the level at which the Names Server is to be traced.
 Available Values:
      0 or OFF - No trace output
      4 or USER - User trace information
      10 or ADMIN - Administration trace information
      16 or SUPPORT - WorldWide Customer Support trace information


names.trace_mask = (200,201,202,203,205,206,207)

Syntax:  list of numbers
Default: NULL

 Internal mechanism to control trace behavior.


names.trace_unique = True

Syntax:  T/F
Default: False

 Indicates whether each trace file has a unique name, allowing multiple trace
 files to coexist. If the value is set to ON, a process identifier is appended
 to the name of each trace file generated.


# - Namesctl ---------------------------------------------------------
#
#namesctl.trace_directory = /oracle/network/trace
#
#Syntax:  directory
#Default: $ON/trace
#
# Indicates the name of the directory to which trace files from a namesctl
# trace session are written.
#
#
#namesctl.trace_file = namesctl.trc
#
#Syntax:  filename
#Default: namesctl.trc
#
# Indicates the name of the output file from a namesctl trace session.
#
#
#namesctl.trace_func # NA
#
#Syntax:  word list
#Default: NULL
#
# Internal mechanism to control tracing by function name.
#
#
#namesctl.trace_level = ADMIN
#
#Syntax:  {OFF,USER,ADMIN,0-16}
#Default: OFF (0)
#
# Indicates the level at which the namesctl is to be traced.
# Available Values:
#      0 or OFF - No trace output
#      4 or USER - User trace information
#      10 or ADMIN - Administration trace information
#      16 or SUPPORT - WorldWide Customer Support trace information
#
#
#namesctl.trace_mask # NA
#
#Syntax:  number list
#Default: NULL
#
# Internal mechanism to control trace behavior.
#
#
#namesctl.trace_unique = True
#
#Syntax:  T/F
#Default: False
#
# Indicates whether each trace file has a unique name, allowing multiple trace
# files to coexist. If the value is set to ON, a process identifier is appended
# to the name of each trace file generated.
#
#
#namesctl.no_initial_server = False
#
#Syntax:  T/F
#Default: False
#
# If set to TRUE namesctl will suppress any error messages when namesctl is
# unable to connect to a default names server.
#
#
#namesctl.internal_use = True
#
#Syntax:  T/F
#Default: False
#
# If set to true namesctl will enable a set of internal undocumented commands.
# All internal commands are preceded by an underscore ('_') in order to
# distinguish them as internal. Without going into details, the commands
# enabled are:
#
#     _add_data              _create_name           _delete_name          
#     _full_status           _ireplace_data         _newttl_name          
#     _pause                 _remove_data           _rename_name          
#     _replace_data          _start                 _walk*                
#
# There are also a set of names server variables which may be set when
# namesctl is in internal mode:
#
#     _authority_required             _auto_refresh*                  
#     _cache_checkpoint_interval      _cache_dump                    
#     _default_autorefresh_expire     _default_autorefresh_retry      
#     _default_forwarders_only        _forwarding_desired            
#     _max_reforwards                 _modify_ops_enabled            
#     _next_cache_checkpoint          _next_cache_flush              
#     _next_stat_log                  _next_stat_reset                
#     _reload                         _request_delay                  
#     _restart                        _shutdown                      
#
#
#namesctl.noconfirm = True
#
#Syntax:  T/F
#Default: False
#
# When set to TRUE namesctl will suppress the confirmation prompt when
# sensitive operations (stop, restart, reload) are requested. This is
# quite helpful when using namesctl scripts.
#
#
#namesctl.server_password = mangler
#
#Syntax:  string
#Default: NULL
#
# Automatically sets the password for the names server in order to perform
# sensitive operations (stop, restart, reload). The password may also be
# set manually during a namesctl session using 'set password'.
#
#
#namesctl.internal_encrypt_password = False
#
#Syntax:  T/F
#Default: True
#
# When set to TRUE namesctl will not encrypt the password when it is sent to
# the names server. This would enable an unencrypted password to be set in
# names.ora:names.server_password
#
# - Native Naming Adpaters -------------------------------------------
#
#names.dce.prefix = /.:/subsys/oracle/names
#
#Syntax:  DCE cell name
#Default: /.:/subsys/oracle/names
#
#Specifies the DCE cell (prefix) to use for name lookup.
#
#
#names.nds.name_context = personnel.acme
#
#Syntax:  NDS name
#Default: (OSD?)
#
# Specifies the default NDS name context in which to look for the name to
# be resolved.
#
#
#names.nis.meta_map # NA
#
# Syntax:  filename
# Default: sqlnet.maps
#
# Specifies the file to be used to map NIS attributes to an NIS mapname.
# Currently unused.

# - Advanced Networking Option Authentication Adapters ----------------

#sqlnet.authentication_services
#
# Syntax: A single value or a list from {beq, none, all, kerberos5,
#        cybersafe, securid, identitx}
# Default: NONE
#
# Enables one or more authentication services.  To enable
# authentication via the Oracle Security Server, use (beq, oss).  If
# the Advanced Networking Option has been installed with Kerberos5
# support, using (beq, kerberos5) would enable authentication via
# Kerberos.
#
#sqlnet.authentication_services=(beq, oss)
 
##
## Parmeters used with Kerberos adapter.
##

#sqlnet.kerberos5_cc_name
#
# Syntax: Any valid pathname.
# Default: /tmp/krb5cc_<uid>
#
# The Kerberos credential cache pathname.
#
#sqlnet.kerberos5_cc_name=/tmp/mycc

#sqlnet.kerberos5_clockskew
#
# Syntax: Any positive integer.
# Default: 300
#
# The acceptable difference in the number of seconds between when a
# credential was sent and when it was received.
#
#sqlnet.kerberos5_clockskew=600

#sqlnet.kerberos5_conf
#
# Syntax: Any valid pathname.
# Default: /krb5/krb.conf
#
# The Kerberos configuration pathname.
#
#sqlnet.kerberos5_conf=/tmp/mykrb.conf

#sqlnet.kerberos5_realms
#
# Syntax: Any valid pathname
# Default: /krb5/krb.realms
#
# The Kerberos host name to realm translation file.
#
#sqlnet.kerberos5_realms=/tmp/mykrb.realms

#sqlnet.kerberos5_keytab
#
# Syntax: Any valid pathname.
# Default: /etc/v5srvtab
#
# The Kerberos secret key file.
#
#sqlnet.kerberos5_keytab=/tmp/myv5srvtab

#sqlnet.authentication_kerberos5_service
#
# Syntax: Any string.
# Default: A default is not provided.
#
# The Kerberos service name.
#
#sqlnet.authentication_kerberos5_service=acme

##
## Parmeters used with CyberSAFE adapter.
##

#sqlnet.authentication_gssapi_service
#
# Syntax: A correctly formatted service principal string.
# Default: A default is not provided.
#
# The CyberSAFE service principal
#
#sqlnet.authentication_gssapi_service=acme/asriniva.us.oracle.com@US.ORACLE.COM
 
##
## Parmeters used with Identix adapter.
##

#sqlnet.identix_fingerprint_method
#
# Syntax: Must be oracle.
# Default: A default is not provided.
#
# The Identix authentication server method
#
#sqlnet.identix_fingerprint_method=oracle

#sqlnet.identix_fingerprint_database
#
# Syntax: Any string.
# Default: A default is not provided.
#
# The Identix authentication server TNS alias
#
#sqlnet.identix_fingerprint_database=ofm

#sqlnet.identix_fingerprint_database_user
#
# Syntax: Any string
# Default: A default is not provided.
#
# The Identix authentication service well known username.
#
#sqlnet.identix_fingerprint_database_user=ofm_client

#sqlnet.identix_fingerprint_database_password
#
# Syntax: Any string
# Default: A default is not provided.
#
# The Identix authentication service well known password.
#
#sqlnet.identix_fingerprint_database_password=ofm_client

# - Advanced Networking Option - Radius Adapter
# Need to specify the location of the Radius server
#sqlnet.radius_authentication = localhost

# Need to specify the port address of the Radius server
#sqlnet.radius_authentication_port = 1654

# If your radius server support accounting, you can enable it
#sqlnet.radius_accounting = off

# Turn on/off challenge response
#sqlnet.radius_challenge_response = off

# Keyword to request a challenge from Radius server.  
# If you use activcard, enter activcard

# If you use something else, enter challenge
#sqlnet.radius_challenge_keyword = challenge

# Enter the name of the client interface you want to use for challenge response
#sqlnet.radius_authentication_interface = DefaultRadiusInterface

# Where is the secret file locate
#sqlnet.radius_secret = $ORACLE_HOME/security/radius.key
 

# - Advanced Networking Option Network Security -------------------------

#sqlnet.crypto_checksum_client
#sqlnet.crypto_checksum_server
#sqlnet.encryption_client
#sqlnet.encryption_server
#
# These four parameters are used to specify whether a service (e.g.
# crypto-checksumming or encryption) should be active:
#
# Each of the above parameters defaults to ACCEPTED.
#
# Each of the above parameters can have one of four possible values:
#
# value            meaning
#
# ACCEPTED      The service will be active if the other side of the
#            connection specifies "REQUESTED" or REQUIRED" and
#            there is a compatible algorithm available on the other
#            side; it will be inactive otherwise.
#
# REJECTED      The service must not be active, and the connection
#            will fail if the other side specifies "REQUIRED".
#
# REQUESTED      The service will be active if the other side specifies
#            "ACCEPTED", "REQUESTED", or "REQUIRED" and there is a
#            compatible algorithm available on the other side; it
#            will be inactive otherwise.
#
# REQUIRED      The service must be active, and the connection will
#            fail if the other side specifies "REJECTED" or if there
#            is no compatible algorithm on the other side.
#
#sqlnet.crypto_checksum_types_client
#sqlnet.crypto_checksum_types_server
#sqlnet.encryption_types_client
#sqlnet.encryption_types_server
#
# These parameters control which algorithms will be made available for
# each service on each end of a connection:
#
# The value of each of these parameters can be either a parenthesized
# list of algorithm names separated by commas or a single algorithm
# name.
#
# Encryption types can be: RC4_40, RC4_56, RC4_128, DES, DES40
#
# Encryption defaults to all the algorithms.
#
# Crypto checksum types can be: MD5
#
# Crypto checksum defaults to MD5.
#
#sqlnet.crypto_seed ="4fhfguweotcadsfdsafjkdsfqp5f201p45mxskdlfdasf"
#sqlnet.crypto_checksum_server = required
#sqlnet.encryption_server = required

# - Oracle Security Server ---------------------------------------------

#oss.source.my_wallet
#
# Syntax: A properly formatted NLNV list.
# Default: Platform specific.  Unix: $HOME/oracle/oss
#
# The method for retrieving and storing my identity.  
#
#oss.source.my_wallet
#   =(source
#       =(method=file)
#        (method_data=/dve/asriniva/oss/wallet)
#     )

#oss.source.location
#
# Syntax: A properly formatted NLNV list.
# Default: Oracle method, oracle_security_service/oracle_security_service@oss
#
# The method for retrieving encrypted private keys.
#
#oss.source.location
#   =(source
#       =(method=oracle)
#        (method_data=
#           (sqlnet_address=andreoss)
#        )
#    )

# - Sqlnet(v2.x) and Net3.0 Client ------------------------------------------

#
# In the following descriptions, the term "client program" could mean
# either sqlplus, svrmgrl or any other OCI programs written by users
#
###########################
#trace_level_client = ADMIN
###########################
#
#Possible values: {OFF,USER,ADMIN,0-16}
#Default:         OFF (0)
#
#Purpose: Indicates the level at which the client program
#         is to be traced.
# Available Values:
#       0 or OFF - No Trace output
#      4 or USER - User trace information
#       10 or ADMIN - Administration trace information
#      16 or SUPPORT - Worldwide Customer Support trace information
#
#Supported since:  v2.0
#
###############################################
#trace_directory_client = /oracle/network/trace
###############################################
#
#Possible values: Any valid directory path with write permission
#Default: $ORACLE_HOME/network/trace  ($ORACLE_HOME=/oracle at customer
#         site)
#
#Purpose: Indicates the name of the directory to which trace files from
#         the client execution are written.
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
###################################################
#trace_file_client =  /oracle/network/trace/cli.trc
###################################################
#
#Possible values: Any valid file name
#Default:        $ORACLE_HOME/network/trace/cli.trc ($ORACLE_HOME =
#              /oracle at customer site)
#
#Purpose: Indicates the name of the file to which the execution trace
#         of the client is written to.
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
###########################
#trace_unique_client = ON
###########################
#
#Possible values: {ON, OFF}
#Default: OFF
#
#Purpose: Used to make each client trace file have a unique name to
#        prevent each trace file from being overwritten by successive
#        runs of the client program
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
###########################################
#log_directory_client = /oracle/network/log
###########################################
#
#Possible values: Any valid directory pathname
#Default: $ORACLE_HOME/network/log  ($ORACLE_HOME = /oracle at customer
#        site)
#
#Purpose: Indicates the name of the directory to which the client log file
#        is written to.
#
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
################
#log_file_client = /oracle/network/log/sqlnet.log
################
#
#Possible values: This is a default value, u cannot change this
#Default: $ORACLE_HOME/network/log/sqlnet.log  ($ORACLE_HOME=/oracle in
#         customer site)
#
#Purpose: Indicates the name of the log file from a client program
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
#############################################
#log_directory_server = /oracle/network/trace
#############################################
#
#Possible values: Any valid diretcory path with write permission
#Default: $ORACLE_HOME/network/trace ( $ORACLE_HOME=/oracle at customer
#        site)
#
#Purpose: Indicates the name of the directory to which log files from the
#         server are written
#
#Supported since:  v2.0
#
###############################################
#trace_directory_server = /oracle/network/trace
###############################################
#
#Possible values: Any valid directory path with write permission
#Default: $ORACLE_HOME/network_trace ( $ORACLE_HOME=/oracle at customer
#        site)
#
#Purpose: Indicates the name of the directory to which trace files from
#         the server are written
#
#Supported since:  v2.0
#
#######################################################
#trace_file_server = /orace/network/trace/svr_<pid>.trc
#######################################################
#
#Possible values: Any valid filename
#Default: $ORACLE_HOME/network/trace/svr_<pid>.trc where <pid? stands for
#         the process id of the server on UNIX systems
#
#Purpose: Indicates the name of the file to which the execution trace of
#         the server program is written to.
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
###########################
#trace_level_server = ADMIN
###########################
#
#Possible values: {OFF,USER,ADMIN,0-16}
#Default:         OFF (0)
#
#Purpose: Indicates the level at which the server program
#         is to be traced.
# Available Values:
#       0 or OFF - No Trace output
#       4 or USER - User trace information
#       10 or ADMIN - Administration trace information
#       16 or SUPPORT - Worldwide Customer Support trace information
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
##########################
#use_dedicated_server = ON
##########################
#
#Possible values: {OFF,ON}
#Default:         OFF
#
#Purpose: Forces the listener to spawn a dedicated server process for
#        sessions from this client program.
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
################
#use_cman = TRUE
################
#
#Possible values: {TRUE, FALSE}
#Default:        FALSE
#
#Purpose:
#
#Supported since: v3.0
#
################################################
#tnsping.trace_directory = /oracle/network/trace
################################################
#
#Possible values: Any valid directory pathname
#Default: $ORACLE_HOME/network/trace ($ORACLE_HOME=/oracle at customer
#        site)
#
#Purpose: Indicates the directory to which the execution trace from
#        the tnsping program is to be written to.
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
############################
#tnsping.trace_level = ADMIN    
############################
#
#Possible values: {OFF,USER,ADMIN,0-16}
#Default:         OFF (0)
#
#Purpose: Indicates the level at which the server program
#         is to be traced.
# Available Values:
#       0 or OFF - No Trace output
#       4 or USER - User trace information
#       10 or ADMIN - Administration trace information
#       16 or SUPPORT - Worldwide Customer Support trace information
#
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
########################
#sqlnet.expire_time = 10
########################
#
#Possible values: 0-any valid positive integer! (in minutes)
#Default: 0 minutes
#Recommended value: 10 minutes
#
#Purpose: Indicates the time interval to send a probe to verify the
#        client session is alive (this is used to reclaim watseful
#        resources on a dead client)
#
#Supported since: v2.1
#
#######################################
#sqlnet.client_registration = <unique_id>
#######################################
#
#Possible values:
#Default:     OFF
#
#Purpose: Sets a unique identifier for the client machine. This
#        identifier is then passed to the listener with any connection
#        request and will be included in the Audit Trail. The identifier
#        can be any alphanumeric string up to 128 characters long.
#
#Supported since: v2.3.2
#
######################
#bequeath_detach = YES
######################
#
#Possible values: {YES,NO}
#Default:         NO
#
#Purpose: Turns off signal handling on UNIX systems. If signal handling
#        were not turned off and if client programs written by users make
#        use of signal handling they could interfere with Sqlnet/Net3.
#
#Supported since: v2.3.3
#
####################
#automatic_ipc = OFF
####################
#
#Possible values: {ON,OFF}
#Default: OFF
#
#Purpose: Force a session to use or not to use IPC addresses on the
#        client's node.
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#
####################
#disable_oob = ON
####################
#
#Possible values: {ON,OFF}
#Default: OFF
#
#Purpose: If the underlying transport protocol (TCP, DECnet,...) does
#         not support Out-of-band breaks, then disable out-of-band
#        breaks
#
#Supported since: v2.0
#


if not were can i find this (in which directory)?

The exactly same problem reported before:

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Databases/Oracle/Q_20253027.html

thank you all of you.

i have tried what Bigfam5 has said and that has solved the problem.

thanks to desine and anand_2000v for their support.

i am splitting the points between three of you.

also thanks to seazodiac for pointing towards the earlier problem and how it was solved