Is there somewhere I can download the oracle7 client from?

http://www.oracle.com/technology/tech/oci/instantclient/instantclient.html

kbnhus,
  The Oracle 7 database uses an older sqlnet technology, but Oracle no longer publishes any links to it.  You have to look on ebay or similar sites.  But be careful because sometimes people will sell you the documentation - not the RDBMS or client.  Also, realize that you are just buying the CD - you would still have to clear any licenses with Oracle.

Here's one link:

http://www.wisc.edu/drmt/SQLNet233NTInstall.html

But, if you are really looking for the ODBC client, then just do a search for "Oracle7 odbc client" - there are some out there.

Good luck!
DrSQL

Oracle 7
??

How tight are you with your local Oracle sales rep or any Oracle non-support employees?  They are bound to know where a dust-covered copy is .  Also check with any other local companies that use Oracle.  Most DBA types are willing to help their own.

I called oracle and they suggested the same thing as RAM. I've downloaded eveything but haven't been able to connect. IF/When I'm able to do that I'll update with some info.

kbnhus,
   It might have been better to wait until you got it working.  I'm surprised Oracle suggested 10g's client because it doesn't have the proper sqlnet transport.  I know that 9i's client couldn't connect to v7 databases, so I have my doubts that you will be successful.  If you'd like to repoen, just post a message requesting it - our page editor is on this thread and can help.

Good luck!
DrSQL

Good Job Slightvv!! Keep it up!!

did you try to get it or what you want from OTN
OTN.ORACLE.COM

OK here's what happened,
Another developer I work with was able to load a dump from the 7 database to an 8 database which we have the client for. So we where able to do what we need to do. He basicly parsed the backup file with a text editor

I was not able to connect to the 7 database with the instantclient software but I also didn't rule out that it wouldn't work.

Using the 8 client I know how to edit my tnsnames.ora file and add a connection. With the instantclient I was having trouble figuring how to setup a connection string perioid.

I spent a few hours on Friday looking at the instantclient documentation and tried a connecting to the 7 database but the erros in my log file indicated that the client wasn't even trying to connect to the database server I wanted it to connect to. It seemed to fail connecting to the deafult database when I launch the application.

If anyone is experienced with the instantclient software and can explain to me how I should be connecting to a database with it I will gladly give it a shot against a 7 database. I'd spend more time on it now at work but I can't really bang my head against the wall trying to get something to work when we already have a solution for that problem : (

The reason I think it may work is because I called the oracle support phone number and they told me to use the instantclient, I also looked the options file and it had a comment that said the variables below are only used when connecting to a database prior to version 9.2. That leads me to believe the instantclient has some backwards compatability.

If I don't get a response here I will take a shot at connecting with the instantclient again but it won't be until some of my time frees up.

I tried the following

sqlplus id/password@//server:port/servicename

and got a packet loss error trying to connect to a 7 database.

I got an erorr that stated "Connections to this server version are no longer supported." error when trying to connect to an 8 database.

Maybe this doesn't work after all.

kbnhus,
   I haven't found the place where it says it definitively, but that is my understanding.  As of 9i, there was no longer support for the V7 sql*net transport built-in.  The architecture was different as was some of the syntax.  I couldn't even find my old documentation.  But I don't believe it works.  that's why I suggested that old link or an odbc client.

Good luck!
DrSQL

anand_2000v,
   By all means, refund the points.  But don't delete - there is useful info here.

Good luck!
DrSQL