c# - Run Oracle Client in 32-bit mode on a 64-bit machine

Question

I have just moved from a 32-bit Windows 7 desktop to a 64-bit Windows 7 Laptop. We have a C# program that we are developing that contains approximately 60 projects within the solution. I keep getting the following error whilst trying to build:

Attempt to load Oracle client libraries threw BadImageFormatException. This problem will occur when running in 64 bit mode with the 32 bit Oracle client components installed

Obviously the error is quite self explanatory and I am trying to get my whole solution to load in 32 bit mode. I have gone through every single project and set the target platform to x86 but I am still getting this error. I have searched Google and seen countless different approaches, but I cant seem to fix this problem. What is the best way to ensure my project is running in 32-bit mode on a 64-bit machine?

I am using Visual Studio 2008. I am currently considering downgrading to 32-bit but really want to avoid having to do this.

Answer 1

I found that you have to install the 32-bit Oracle client (you can download the installer from their website) even if you are running on a 64-bit machine.

In addition, during the discussions people were talking about 32-bit mode etc. This is how you can check / set that for an IIS 7 hosted application. You shouldn't need to change this but I have added here for completeness / future reference.

• Launch IIS 7 and expand the server name node.
• Click on Application Pools node and find the application Pool you are using.
• On the right-hand panel click Advanced Settings...
• In the pop-up box that appears check Enabled 32-Bit Applications setting which is third option from the top.