forms60.vrf(78): OS_ERROR while getting value Path

links : http://forums.oracle.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=650537

Although this Q is not so “hot” anymore, several days before I’ve ran into same problem.
By searching the google for “forms60.vrf” I’ve found just this post with question and no good answers.
Since I’ve found the solution, I think it’s OK to share it with others.
Of course that Forms6i is not something of big interest these days, but there are still some of us that need to install Forms6i Developer for various reasons (maintaining old applications, preparations for migration to other technology, etc.)
I’ve tried installation with disabled anti virus (to tryout already suggested hint) , it didn’twork for me – installation failed with the same error.

OK, here is what I’ve done.

I’ve modified my PATH environment variable to “shorter” string, since I remember similar issues with several “older” installers.
I think the length should be less than something like 1000 (probably 1024) characters.
I was getting exactly the same error as in this thread – my PATH was 1053 characters, and after “shortening” the PATH to 838 characters installation went through with no problems at all.

I think it could be of value to say that, when doing this, I didn’t “erase” (temporariliy, of course) any part of the PATH that has anything to do with Oracle (existing Oracle homes) and “core” Windows.
Just the parts associated with other software on my PC (usually starting with “C:\Program Files\…”).
To be more secure about not exceeding the suspected limit of 1000, include the length for new Oracle home (e.g. C:\Oracle\Dev6_Home\BIN) to the count of 1000 characters.

NOTE:
Be sure to save the value of the PATH in some text file BEFORE modifying it (always backup!).
When restoring the PATH to the original value (after Forms installation and restart), don’t forget to add the new Oracle home part of the PATH (e.g. C:\Oracle\Dev6_Home\BIN).
I’ve added it to the end, to preserve old Oracle settings.
So, after installation “<new PATH>” should be “<old PATH>;<new Oracle home BIN directory>”.

NOTE:
Beware that installation of “older” tools can sometimes harm some of your existing installations.
For example, my anti virus (AVG Free) stopped working after Forms6i installation and I needed to re-instal AVG Free (repair installation). For now (2 days), I didn’t notice any other problems.

Hope this will help someone,
Marko