[Win XP Development] Configure Classic Instance hanging on "Create Domain"

Question

I've installed wls 10.3.5 on a Windows XP SP 3 platform. It's up and running.
I used the install-- do not configure option for Forms/Reports 11.1.2.
Now, I'm trying to configure this Windows machine for development.
I've shortened all the paths.... e.g. c:\Oracle\Middle and c:\Java and using c:\temp for temporary directories to avoid the pesky tilde issues.
I have 3GB of RAM to work with. I've even tried to make the task easier by just configuring Forms instead of both Forms and Reports.
I've even configured a Windows loopback connection and rebooted the machine, and deinstalled Forms and WLS and re-installed to use the loopback address.
I used to get crashes, now I get hanging that times out after a few hours if I let it go on.
Any breakthrough tips or suggestions? Oracle Support has an SR open on this for 3 weeks, but they are swamped and stumped.
Edited by: steve_newguy on Feb 23, 2012 1:29 PM. Corrected type of installation. Meant to say development instead of deployment option.

Answer 1

Is there a particular reason you want to do the Deployment config on your XP machine? Windows XP cannot be used for remote access or multi-user access. On XP your only option is single user, local access only. Basically for local designtime only. So the only thing you really gain by doing the Deploy option is an opportunity to become familiar with it. Also, although it doesn't have anything to do with your current problem, 3gig isn't going to be enough to do a Deploy install and expect to not pull your hair out while waiting for the hourglass to stop spinning each time you do something. Don't get me wrong... it will run, but very sloooowly.
Ok, on to your problem. In most cases, a hang during the config part of the install suggests a problem starting a process, usually opmn. You were on the right track when you said you installed the loop back adapter. If you look closely at the install and config logs, you likely will see that opmn was unable to start. If this is the case, I would bet my money on the net configuration. Just installing the loopback adapter is only part 1 of the steps needed. Also, this is ONLY needed if the machine is using DHCP. Do not do this if it uses a static address.
If you have an opportunity to start from scratch I would recommend it. Here is my suggestion, starting with cleanup:
1. Stop all running services and processes related to this Oracle installation. That includes WLS, Node Manager, OPMN (Windows Service), etc
2. If possible, use the Shortcut created to perform an uninstallation of FMw
3. In Add/Remove Programs, uninstall WLS
4. In the system environment variable settings, remove ALL references to FMw or WLS. Look closely at PATH in particular. (My Computer > Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables)
5. This one is important. You need to remove the Windows Service created for OPMN related to this installation. I would explain how to do this directly in the Registry, but that might get messy. I found the following which explains how to do it from the command line.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/how-to-delete-a-windows-service-in-vista-or-xp/
6. Once you have completed all these steps, reboot.
7. After rebooting, delete any remaining directories related to FMw and WLS. Don't forget the C:\bea that may have been created.
8. Assuming loopback has been installed, open the system's hosts file in a text editor. Found in C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc
9. Add the loopback address and hostname. Be sure you have not created duplicates. In other words, ensure that the localhost address does not reference the hostname. Your entries should look something like this.
127.0.0.1       localhost
# Replace the address and hostname below with your loopback address and hostname
192.168.0.10  yourMachineName10. Reboot
11. Install WLS 10.3.5. At the end of the installation you will see a check box for running Quick Start. UNCHECK this box before exiting as there is no need to run this.
12. Install FMw 11.1.2.0. You can choose either Install Only or Install and Config. There really is no reason to not choose Install and Config.
I do not recommend trying to have both a Deploy and Development installation type. If you need the Builders and would like to use the Deployment install type, simple be sure to select the Builders during the install process. The Builders are available in both installation types.