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"java.sql.SQLException: Io exception: Unknown host specified" error using Database Conversion Utility

Troubleshooting


Problem

Administrator logs onto Controller application server, and launches "Controller Configuration". Administrator opens "Database Connections" and chooses database. Administrator clicks green 'play' button to launch "Database Conversion Utility", then connects to Controller database. An error message appears.

Symptom

** ERROR: java.sql.SQLException: Io exception: Unknown host specified

Cause

There are other possible causes for similar "java.sql.SQLException" errors.

  • For example, see separate IBM Technote #1570781.

In addition, there are other possible causes for similar "Unknown host specified" errors.
  • For example, see separate IBM Technote #1587251.

This Technote specifically relates to the scenario where the cause is that the Oracle client is not correctly installed/registered on the Controller application server.
  • For example, if using Controller 10.1.1 or earlier (which is 32-bit server software) the customer may have mistakenly installed the 64-bit version of the Oracle client.
  • or alternatively may have installed an old Oracle client version (which was not intended for use on Windows 2008 R2 / UAC etc.) on a server that has UAC enabled.

Environment

NOTE: In general, this technote is aimed at Controller 10.1.1 or earlier, which is a 32-bit software product.

  • If you are using Controller 10.2 or later, be aware that this is 64-bit server software, so some of the concepts are different.

Resolving The Problem

Uninstall Oracle client from Controller application server. Afterwards, install 32-bit Oracle client as per best practices (including disabling UAC if necessary). Finally, ensure that all necessary Oracle patches are installed.

Steps to install 32-bit Oracle client (for Controller 10.1.1 or earlier) on Application server:
NOTES:

  1. If Controller application server is based on Windows 2008, then ensure that Microsoft Windows UAC is disabled (*and* the server is rebooted afterwards) before installing the Oracle client.
  2. If using Windows 2008, Oracle advise that you should use their special "Oracle Database 10g Client Release 2 (10.2.0.3) " (10203_vista_w2k8_x86_production_client.zip) version of the client
  3. If using Controller 10.1.1 or earlier (which is a 32-bit server) running on an application server which is based on a 64-bit operating system, ensure that the 32-bit Oracle client is installed onto the server


How to disable UAC on Windows 2008:
    1. Obtain a short period of downtime (no users on Controller)
    2. Logon to the application server
    3. Click "Start - Settings - Control Panel"
    4. Click "User Accounts- User Accounts"
    5. Click "Change User Account Control settings"
    6. Change slider setting to "Never notify"
    7. Click OK
    8. Afterwards, reboot the application server (for the UAC to take effect)

How to install the Oracle 32-bit client:
  • Oracle 10G:
    • See Proven Practice document "Step-by-Step guide to installing Oracle 10G Client on a Controller 8.3 Application server"
    • This is available from the DeveloperWorks (Proven Practice) website
  • Oracle 11G:
    • Ensure that the Oracle client is installed using the 'full' (administrator / maximum install space used) option during the installation wizard.
    • Afterwards, install Oracle patch #10100100 (also known as "11.2.0.1.0 Patch 6 (11.2.0.1.6P) 32-bit") is applied afterwards
      • See separate IBM Technote #1448885 for full details.

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Document Information

Modified date:
15 June 2018

UID

swg21572761

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