ORA-12454: connect failed because target host or object does not exist tips

The Oracle docs note this on the ora-12454 error:

On Oracle DBA Forums, a user posts about having problems connecting on local workstation options to a new database. Below are the specifics of the question, as well as the original conflicts with ORA-12545:

Question

I have Oracle 9i installed on my local Windows XP workstation that will be used for local development only.  Now I am trying to create a database and using OEM Database Configuration Assistant.
I put in FirstDB for the Global Database Name and put in FirstDB for the SID.

I completed the wizard and set up my tnsnames.ora file with the SID and hostname. Then I tried to connect using OEM with the Sys login and it says:
ORA-12545:Connect failed because target host or object does not exist.

Should I put in localhost or 127.0.0.1 for my Global Database Name?

I assume I connect as Sys or System and the password I created right after creating the database.

Please advise on how I can get this to work?

Answer:  The replier advised two actions to begin resolving ORA-12545, starting by:

• making sure that your listener is running (lsnrcrl stat)
• testing connectivity with ping, and then tnsping.
• verifying connectivity via the DNS (e.g. /etc/hosts)
• make sure to check your tnsnames.ora parms.

Also important in resolving ORA-12545 if using VIP's is to "start by verifying connectivity via the DNS (e.g. /etc/hosts), and make sure to check your tnsnames.ora parms."

Here is a helpful link to offer more information on troubleshooting connectivity errors.