Query Oracle from SQL Server w/o a permanent Linked Server entry

Need to query a table on an Oracle box from SQL Server?

If your DBA won't let you create a linked server, this option may work for you. You'll need hard code your credentials in :(.



SELECT *
FROM OPENROWSET('MSDAORA',
'DATABASE_NAME';
'USER_TO_CONNECT_AS';'USER_PASS', 'select * from dual')
AS test



Install SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence Tools

Getting an error about SQL Native Client?

Uninstall existing SQL Native Clients from add/remove programs and attempt to reinstall.

SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server Manager Nightmare

Never install SQL Server 2000 after installing SQL Server Manager (in this case 2005). Don't.

Just don't.