Error
Error Code:
15
SAP S/4HANA Error 15: Missing File or Path
Description
This error indicates that SAP S/4HANA attempted to access a file that does not exist at the specified location or is otherwise inaccessible. It commonly occurs during data imports, report generation, or when interacting with external systems requiring file-based operations.
Error Message
ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND
Known Causes
4 known causesFile Not Present
The requested file is genuinely missing from the specified directory or has been deleted from its expected location.
Incorrect File Path Configuration
The file path or name specified within SAP S/4HANA configuration or a transaction does not exactly match the file's actual location or name.
Insufficient File Permissions
The SAP S/4HANA system user or service account lacks the necessary read or execute permissions for the file or its containing directory.
External System Inaccessibility
If the file resides on a network share or an external system, that resource might be temporarily unavailable or inaccessible from the SAP S/4HANA server.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Verify and Correct File Path Configuration easy
Ensures that all configured file paths within SAP S/4HANA are accurate and accessible.
1
Identify the specific file or path that is reported as missing. This information is usually part of the detailed error message or logs (e.g., SM21, ST11).
2
Access SAP S/4HANA transaction SM30 and maintain the relevant customizing table that stores file path configurations. Common tables include AL11 (for SAP directories) and custom tables used by specific applications.
3
Double-check the entered path for typos, incorrect case sensitivity (especially on Linux/Unix systems), or missing directory components.
4
Verify that the specified path actually exists on the operating system level where the SAP application server is running.
ssh user@sap_server_ip
ls -l /path/to/expected/directory5
Ensure the SAP system user (e.g., <sid>adm) has read and write permissions on the directory and any files within it.
ssh user@sap_server_ip
ls -ld /path/to/expected/directory
chmod 775 /path/to/expected/directory6
If the path is incorrect, update it in the SAP customizing table. If the directory is missing, create it on the server.
ssh user@sap_server_ip
mkdir -p /path/to/new/directory7
Restart the relevant SAP application server instance or the specific service that is failing to pick up the corrected configuration.
2. Check Operating System File Permissions and Ownership medium
Confirms that the SAP system user has adequate permissions to access the required files and directories on the OS level.
1
Identify the exact file or directory that is causing the ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error. This often requires reviewing SAP system logs (SM21, ST11) or application-specific logs.
2
Log in to the SAP application server's operating system using the SAP system administrator user (e.g., <sid>adm).
ssh <sid>adm@sap_server_ip3
Navigate to the directory where the missing file is expected to be or where the application is trying to write.
cd /path/to/the/directory4
Check the ownership and permissions of the directory and the file (if it's supposed to exist).
ls -l5
Ensure the owner is the SAP system user (e.g., <sid>adm) and that the user has read and write permissions (rwx). Also, check group and other permissions as required by your security policy.
chown <sid>adm:<sid>adm /path/to/the/directory
chmod 775 /path/to/the/directory6
If the file is meant to be created by SAP, ensure the directory has write permissions for the SAP user.
7
If the file is expected to be read by SAP, ensure the SAP user has read permissions on the file and execute permissions on all parent directories leading to it.
8
After making any permission changes, try the SAP operation again. A restart of the application server might be necessary for some services.
3. Verify SAP Gateway Configuration for Remote File Access advanced
Addresses issues where files are accessed remotely via RFC and the Gateway is not properly configured.
1
Determine if the error is occurring when SAP tries to access a file on a different server or system via RFC (Remote Function Call). Check the context of the error message.
2
On the target server (where the file is located or supposed to be), ensure that the SAP Gateway is running and accessible.
sapcontrol -nr <gateway_instance_number> -function GetProcessList3
Verify the SAP Gateway's security settings. Check the `gw/acl_mode` parameter in the instance profile. A value of '1' or '2' is common for secure configurations.
4
If `gw/acl_mode` is '1' or '2', ensure the `reginfo` and `secinfo` files are correctly configured in the SAP Gateway's profile directory on the target server. These files control which programs can register with the Gateway and which clients can connect.
cat $DIR_INSTANCE/gw_acl_reginfo
cat $DIR_INSTANCE/gw_acl_secinfo5
The `reginfo` file should allow the specific program (e.g., a file transfer utility or an RFC server program) to register with the Gateway. The `secinfo` file should permit connections from the source SAP system's IP address and Gateway.
Example reginfo entry:
P TP=* HOST=* ACCESS=* CANCEL=* REG=1
Example secinfo entry:
USER=* HOST=<source_sap_host> USER-HOST=* PING=1
NOTE: These are basic examples. Actual configurations depend heavily on security requirements.6
If changes are made to `reginfo` or `secinfo`, the SAP Gateway needs to reload these files. This can often be done via SMGW -> Goto -> Expert Functions -> External Security -> Reread.
7
Test the RFC connection and the file operation again. Ensure network connectivity and firewall rules allow communication between the source and target SAP systems' Gateways.