16.3.5 ORA-12261

Indicates that the specified connection alias cannot be resolved due to errors in the Easy Connect syntax.

Message

ORA-12261: Cannot connect to database.
Syntax error in Easy Connect connection string string.

For example:

ORA-12261: Cannot connect to database. 
Syntax error in Easy Connect connection string sales1.example.com:1522/sales.

Cause

A connection to the database or other service is requested using an incorrect Easy Connect connection string.

Action

1. Check for mistakes in the specified connection string.

2. Ensure that the specified host, port, and service name values are correct.

3. Try enclosing the connect identifier in quotation marks.