You came here seeking a specific answer, and here it is:

Navigate to: C:\oracle\product\11.2.0\client_1\network\admin Create a new text file named tnsnames.ora . Add your connection string:

The (Excel, custom software, IIS) trying to connect

: Right-click setup.exe and select Run as Administrator . Select Installation Type : Administrator : Includes all tools (SQL*Plus, Net Manager). Runtime : Minimal tools for application support. Instant Client : Just the libraries.

The Legacy Lifeline: A Guide to the Oracle Client 11.2.0.4 (32-bit)

If you are on a 64-bit OS, you must use the 32-bit ODBC administrator located at C:\Windows\SysWOW64\odbcad32.exe to configure connections for this client.