Error
Error Code:
5161
SAP S/4HANA Error 5161: Missing Language Directory Config
Description
This error indicates that the SAP S/4HANA system cannot locate the 'LanguageDir' property within its configuration files. This property is crucial for determining where language-specific resources are stored. The error typically occurs during application startup or when a process attempts to access localized content, preventing proper display of user interface elements or data in the intended language.
Error Message
Language directory property (LanguageDir) was not found in the Configuration.
Known Causes
4 known causesMissing Configuration Entry
The 'LanguageDir' property is entirely absent from the relevant SAP S/4HANA configuration file, preventing the system from identifying the language resource path.
Incorrect Configuration Path
Although the 'LanguageDir' property exists, its value specifies an invalid or inaccessible path to the language resource directory.
Configuration File Corruption
The configuration file containing the 'LanguageDir' property is corrupted or malformed, making it unreadable by the SAP S/4HANA system.
Deployment or Update Issue
Recent system updates or deployments failed to correctly apply the necessary configuration changes, leaving the 'LanguageDir' property improperly set or missing.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Configure Language Directory in SAP Instance Profile easy
Set the LanguageDir parameter in the SAP instance profile for the affected S/4HANA system.
1
Identify the SAP instance profile file. This is typically located in the SAP system's work directory and is named like 'DEFAULT.PFL' or '<SID>_D<instance_number>_PFL'.
2
Open the instance profile file using a text editor (e.g., Notepad, vi).
3
Locate or add the `LanguageDir` parameter. If it exists, ensure it points to a valid directory on the application server where language files are stored. If it doesn't exist, add the following line:
LanguageDir = /usr/sap/<SID>/SYS/global/config/languages4
Replace `<SID>` with your actual SAP system ID. The path provided is a common default, but verify the correct location on your system. This directory should exist and be accessible by the SAP system user.
5
Save the changes to the instance profile file.
6
Restart the SAP application server instance for the changes to take effect. This can be done using SAP transaction `SMIC` or through the operating system's SAP service management.
2. Verify and Create Language Directory on Application Server medium
Ensure the directory specified in the instance profile actually exists and is accessible by the SAP system.
1
Determine the correct `LanguageDir` path from your SAP instance profile (refer to Solution 1 if needed).
2
Connect to the SAP application server via SSH or direct terminal access.
3
Check if the directory specified in `LanguageDir` exists. For example, if `LanguageDir` is set to `/usr/sap/<SID>/SYS/global/config/languages`:
ls -ld /usr/sap/<SID>/SYS/global/config/languages4
If the directory does not exist, create it with appropriate permissions. The SAP system user (usually `<sid>adm`) needs read and write access.
sudo mkdir -p /usr/sap/<SID>/SYS/global/config/languages
sudo chown <sid>adm:<sapsys> /usr/sap/<SID>/SYS/global/config/languages
sudo chmod 755 /usr/sap/<SID>/SYS/global/config/languages5
Ensure that the SAP system user has read permissions on the directory and its parent directories.
6
If the error persists, verify that the SAP system has the necessary read permissions for any language files that should reside within this directory.
3. Configure Language Directory via SAP Transaction RZ10 easy
Use transaction RZ10 to directly manage instance profile parameters for the SAP system.
1
Log in to your SAP S/4HANA system with a user having sufficient authorization to access RZ10.
2
Execute transaction code `RZ10`.
3
Select the appropriate instance profile (e.g., 'DEFAULT' or the specific instance profile for your application server). Click 'Change'. If prompted to create a profile, choose 'Create new profile' and select the correct profile type.
4
In the profile editor, navigate to 'Extended Maintenance'.
5
Locate the parameter `LanguageDir`. If it exists, double-click on it to edit its value. If it does not exist, click the 'Create' button.
6
Enter the correct path for the language directory in the 'Value' field. A common path is `/usr/sap/<SID>/SYS/global/config/languages`. Ensure this path is valid and accessible on your application server.
7
Save the changes to the profile. You may be prompted to activate the profile. Ensure you activate the profile.
8
Restart the SAP application server instance for the changes to take effect. This can be done via transaction `SMIC` or by restarting the SAP service on the operating system.