This tutorial will show you how to install Oracle 10g Personal Edition on Windows XP Service Pack 2.

I purchased the book Oracle 10g: SQL by Joan Casteel used, for an introductory Oracle class I’m currently taking. Because the book I bought was used, it did not come with the CD containing the chapter exercise files or the actual Oracle 10g program. This was no big deal since the software is available for free online. The following steps will show you how to download the necessary files and install oracle:

PART 1: Install Oracle 10g

#1. First download the Oracle Universal Installer from this link:

http://www.oracle.com/technology/software/products/database/

This may require you to sign up for an Oracle web account which is free.

“Accept” the OTN License Agreement and scroll down to Oracle Database 10g Release 2 this is not the latest version of Oracle, but I downloaded it since it is what we will be learning in class. These instruction will probably be similar if you choose a more up-to-date version, although I have yet to test it out.

Under Oracle Database 10g Release 2, select the link for “Oracle Database 10g Release 2 (10.2.0.1.0) for Microsoft Windows.” Accept the license agreement again and download the link link that says: “10201databasewin32.zip (655,025,354 bytes) (cksum – 1264922025)”

Its a large file, so now would probably be a good time to turn on your TV and watch your favorite show. Come back in half an hour and your download should be done, if you’re lucky.

#2. Unzip the file you downloaded. If you need a program to do this, I recommend WinRAR. WinRAR is compatible with most compression formats and its free and simple to use. If you are using WinRAR simply right-click on the zipped file and select “Extract Here.”

Navigate to the unzipped “database” folder and double click on the “setup.exe” icon. This will launch the installer program.

#3. From the drop-down menu select “Personal Edition (1.35GB)”

#4. Leave the default Global Database Name, and enter a password for your database. This can be anything you choose but the password needs to begin with a character, and be at least 4 long.

#5. Select “Next” to continue. The installer will do some tests to make sure your computer is compatible.

Most computers will fail the Network Configuration requirements, unless you are using a static IP. For educational purposes and the purposes of this class it is not necessary to pass this test. We are after all not using this database to run a website or business.

It is possible that something else went wrong at this point, in which case you will get a pop-up message telling you what needs to be changed. The installer will redirect you to the previous page. Just make the necessary adjustments and try again.

#6. Select “Next”

#7. The installer will then show you all the components it will install. There is no need to do anything special here, so just select “Install.”

After quite some time and several screens you will be presented with the Database Configuration Assistant. IMPORTANT! From this screen you will enable the default user “Scott”, so don’t just blindly hit “OK.”

#8. Select “Password Management.”

#9. Scroll down to the end, and uncheck the user “SCOTT.” Since the default password of tiger can be a security risk, it is recommended that you change it. You can change the password on this screen or do it later. Since its easier to do now than later I recommend changing the password at this time. Once you finish select “OK” to continue.

Once you finish installing, note down the link to isqlplus and isqlplus/dba. You will needs these if you want to use the browser interface to Oracle. You can also use the command line interface, SQL Plus (I prefer this option because it is faster), which is accessible from the Start>All Programs>Oracle – OraDb10g_home1>Application Development.

#10. Finish the installation by selecting “Exit”

To test the installation open up your web browser.

#11. In the address bar enter the url you noted earlier for the iSQL Plus interface.

#12. Enter the username: “Scott” and password (whatever you chose in step 9). Select login and you should be taken to the next page to enter SQL commands.

Since we now have oracle up and running, its time to take a break. When we return we will download the necessary files so we can complete the exercises in the book.

PART 2: Download Exercise Files.

The other files which would have come in the book, had I had the CD that came with it, allow you to set up the database correctly for any particular chapter in the book. Luckily these are available for free online.

Download files from here. (click on the link “83629-xd.exe (54 KB)”)

Once you have the file on your computer double click it and select where to install the chapter files.

Once you have finished you should be set and ready to complete the exercises.