How does Oracle use the parameter GLOBAL_DBNAME in listener.ora ? I faced this problem: Note: The SERVICE_NAMES parameter was set to SFA in the init.ora file File listener.ora is SID_LIST_JLISTENER = (SID_LIST = (SID_DESC = (GLOBAL_DBNAME = SFA) (ORACLE_HOME = /home6/sfa/app/oracle/product/8.1.5) (SID_NAME = SFAPP) ) ) File tnsnames.ora on client is SFTEST.IN.TATAINFOTECH.COM = (DESCRIPTION = (ADDRESS_LIST = (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = 163.122.32.59)(PORT = 2521)) ) (CONNECT_DATA = (SERVICE_NAME = SFAPP) ) ) When I tried to connect from client I got a error : "Unable to resolve service name". When I commented out GLOBAL_DBNAME = SFA - the connection worked !!! I am trying to understand what was going worng - since the tnsnames and listener was generated by Oracle utilities. -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com -- Author: TAG DBA INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- (858) 538-5051 FAX: (858) 538-5051 San Diego, California -- Public Internet access / Mailing Lists -------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing).