Originally posted by jmodic
Before anything else, you have to create (and start) Oracle database service if you are in Windows enviroment. Check the ORADIM utility in manuals...
Just to add the quote...

After u create a service, if u have existing database running ,
then u need to set ENIVRONMENTAL VARILABLES to created SID...
Or Configure Listener,TNS names & give connect string to connect to the IDLE Instance created.

Abhay.