ORA-12162 TNS:net service name is incorrectly specified

I've looked up information on this error, but I can't find any problems with my tnsnames.ora file. I even double checked with another machine that has the same client.

What else could be causing this error when trying to open a connection? My connection string is good.

re: ORA-12162 TNS:net service name is incorrectly specified

Cause: The connect descriptor corresponding to the net service name in TNSNAMES.ORA or in the directory server (Oracle Internet Directory) is incorrectly specified.

Action: If using local naming make sure there are no syntax errors in the corresponding connect descriptor in the TNSNAMES.ORA file. If using directory naming check the information provided through the administration used for directory naming.

re: ORA-12162 TNS:net service name is incorrectly specified

It suggests that there is a problem with the tnsnames.ora file contents, but in reality the message ORA-12162 "TNS:net service name is incorrectly specified" results from improperly setting your ORACLE_SID value.

To fix this error in Windows, set your $ORACLE_HOME:

c:> set ORACLE_SID=DEBASIS

re: ORA-12162 TNS:net service name is incorrectly specified

I tried both suggestions, but neither fixed the problem.