SP2-1503: Unable to initialize Oracle call interface | SP2-0152 | Oracle Database

SP2-1503 SP2-0152 Errors in Oracle Database

What causes the SP-1503 and SP-0152 errors?

SP2-1503: Unable to initialize Oracle call interface

Sometimes when you try to connect to SQLPLUS via Command Prompt, you see the below mentioned errors messages:

D:\oracle\product\10.2.0\client_1\BIN>sqlplus
SP2-1503: Unable to initialize Oracle call interface
SP2-0152: ORACLE may not be functioning properly

The issue is majorly seen in the systems where multiple Oracle Installations are done. For example, I have seen one Client having Oracle Database Software 11g (64-bit), Oracle Client 11g (64-bit), 10g (32-bit) installed on a single system to connect to remote databases. I told him to remove all the different versions and keep one Client and that was enough to fulfill the purpose. When I got the next call, he was getting troubled from the above mentioned errors. Now the fix is easy but the reason needs to be understood in order to resolve this.

SP-0152 Error:

The oerr utility shows this for the SP-0152 error:

SP2-0152 ORACLE may not be functioning properly

Cause: Unable to initialize a session to the Oracle instance.

Action: Make a note of the message and the number, then contact the Database Administrator.

SP-1503 Error:

SP2-1503: Unable to initialize Oracle call interface

The oerr utility shows this for the SP-1503 error:

Cause: Indicates a library used by SQL*Plus to communicate with the database failed to initialize correctly.

Action: Check that the Oracle environment or registry entries are consistent and correct. If using the SQL*Plus Instant Client make sure the SQL*Plus and Oracle libraries are from the same release. Make sure you have read access to the libraries.

From above, it is clear that the problem is because of Bad Environment or make it more clear the problem is with the Environment Variables which are not properly loaded when you ran the CMD.

Environment Variables

Resolution:-

Make sure you properly define the below mentioned Environment Variables:

• ORACLE_HOME
• ORACLE_SID
• PATH
• LD_LIBRARY_PATH
• TNS_ADMIN

Note: Make sure you are defining the Variables in "System Variables" Section if you want to apply the changes for all users.

Once defined, the problem should be gone. If not, try installing the software again.

I hope this helps !!