Cannot log on to the database running sqrw.exe in a DOS window

[Dennis Palmer <dennis.palmer@FERGINC.COM>]

I am having a problem running some third party software (sqrplus debugger)
and I believe it is because of an underlying problem with SQR itself.  Any
suggestions for resolving this situation would be appreciated.  The facts are
as follows:

        SQR    ver   4.3.2
        Oracle ver   8.0.5
        client   is    Win98

I can run SQRs fine by using a desktop icon and then filling in the dialog
boxes for Username/Password/Database.  It connects to the database
and runs the SQR without a hitch.  But when I try to run ANY SQR from
a DOS window where the SQR command line contains a "connect string"
it bombs out with an

        "Oracle orlon error 12 in Cursor 0:
                  {garbage characters here}
        SQR 4701
        Cannot connect to the database"         error message.

I CAN run an SQR that has no database requirements in a DOS window
just fine using essentially the same command line sans the connectivity
portion (-XL).  So, it has something to do with connecting to the DB via
a command line connect string but I'll be hanged if I can figure out what.
I can run SQR and SQLplus fine from within Windows.

I have searched the sqrbinw directories for any text/doc files that might
contain helpful "configuration troubleshooting" info and there is none.
Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.   Thanks.

DennisP