$ORACLE_HOME/lib32 does not exist in Oracle database 11gR2. Why? [ID 883702.1]

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In this Document

Goal

Fix

References

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Applies to:

Oracle Server - Enterprise Edition - Version 11.2.0.1 to 11.2.0.3 [Release 11.2]
HP-UX PA-RISC (64-bit)
IBM AIX on POWER Systems (64-bit)
Oracle Solaris on SPARC (64-bit)
HP-UX Itanium
Oracle Solaris on x86-64 (64-bit)
Linux x86-64

Goal

This document explains why $ORACLE_HOME/lib32 does not exist in Oracle database 11gR2 and what you need to do to get 32-bit libraries.

 

Fix

This is an expected behavior.
The structure $ORACLE_HOME/lib32 exists when you install 64 bit executables on a system AND that installation comes with both 32 bit and the default 64 bit libraries (pre 11.2) The 64 bit libraries are placed into the $ORACLE_HOME/lib and the 32 bit are placed into the $ORACLE_HOME/lib32 directories.

When you install 32 bit executables since there is only the 32 bit libraries, they are placed into the $ORACLE_HOME/lib directory.

Starting from Oracle database 11gR2, 32-bit libraries are not being shipped with the 64-bit Oracle database server or 64-bit Oracle database client media. Hence after installing Oracle database 11gR2, you will not find lib32 folder inside $ORACLE_HOME.

If you want 32-bit libraries, you need to install 32-bit client which is shipped as a separate media. This should be installed only on a new Oracle home. You should neither install it on 64-bit server home nor on 64-bit client home.

For Linux x86-64, the client shiphome for Linux x86 can be used because that essentially is the 32-bit equivalent.

Note:

The 11.2.0.x 32-bit Linux x86 Oracle Database client is supported on the Linux x86-64 AMD64/EM64T (64-bit OS).
When installing, Instant Client, Runtime and Administrator are offered. Instant Client should not be installed. If it is, the 32-bit libraries are not included and it is impossible to de-install.

Select Runtime or Administrator client while installing the client.

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References

NOTE:1157463.1 - Master Note For Oracle Database Client Installation
NOTE:1351051.2 - Information Center: Install and Configure Database Server/Client Installations
NOTE:1156586.1 - Master Note For Oracle Database Server Installation