SQL Plus error - String beginning '...' too long. Maximum size is 79 characters

[Morris]

Hi guys,

I had trouble finding a correct oracle group so please let me know if
this is not where I should post my problem? But hopefully you might be
able to help me anyway...

We're using SQLPLUS at work, mine is: (sqlplusw.exe)
version: SQL*Plus: Release 9.2.0.1.0 - Production on Thu May 22
10:21:41 2008

my friend's is:
version: SQL*Plus: Release 8.1.6.0.0 - Production on Thu May 22
10:25:01 2008

Now, if we paste the same path trying to run the same script, for
example:
@\\SomeServer\DataServices\Data\Data\Data\Data\Datadata\Data\Database
\SomeFolder\file.sql

He gets the error as per title - saying his maximum size is 79 chars,
and I have no problems when running the script?

Is there any settings we could change (I went through Options -->
Environment but nothing helpful there) or would upgrading his client
be enough? Would it be enough if he just replaces his binary
(sqlplusw.exe) with mine? Or does he need to download a completely new
package?

Thanks in advance,
Morris

[gazzag]

Well, for one thing, your friend is on a desupported version of Oracle
that's not even patched to the required level (8.1.7.4).

I don't run scripts via SQL*Plus for Windows (sqlplusw.exe), I use the
DOS based version (sqlplus.exe) from a command prompt. If I were you,
I'd open a command prompt and CD to the relevant directory (\

\SomeServer\DataServices\Data\Data\Data\Data\Datadata\Data\Database

\SomeFolder) and start SQL*Plus from there. Next simply run your
script as follows:

SQL> @file.sql

HTH

-g

[Mark D Powell]

> -g- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Since the client is a free download you might just consider upgrading
the client.

Another option to try is to set the SQLPATH variable in the OS. This
variable is used to tell SQLPlus where to look for scripts. The
SQLPATH environment variable works on both UNIX and Windows.

HTH -- Mark D Powell --