Error
Error Code:
5164
SAP S/4HANA Error 5164: Invalid Language Directory
Description
This error indicates that the path configured in SAP S/4HANA for language-specific resources does not point to a valid directory on the file system. It typically occurs during system startup or when attempting to load language-dependent content.
Error Message
ERR_TEXT_COMMON_LANGUAGE_DIR_IS_NOT_A_DIRECTORY
Known Causes
3 known causesIncorrect Configuration Path
The language directory path specified in SAP S/4HANA's configuration files contains a typo or points to a non-existent location.
Missing or Moved Directory
The physical directory intended for language resources has been accidentally deleted, renamed, or moved on the server's file system.
Insufficient Permissions
The SAP S/4HANA system user lacks the necessary read or execute permissions for the specified language directory on the server.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Verify and Correct Language Directory Path in System Profile easy
Ensures the system profile correctly points to an existing directory for language data.
1
Log in to your SAP S/4HANA system using SAP GUI as a user with administrative privileges (e.g., DDIC or a user in the SAP_ALL profile).
2
Navigate to transaction `RZ10` (Profile Maintenance).
3
Select the instance profile for your S/4HANA system (e.g., `DEFAULT.PFL` or a specific instance profile).
4
Choose 'Change' to edit the profile parameters.
5
Locate the parameter `DIR_LANGUAGE`. This parameter defines the directory where language-dependent files are stored.
6
Verify that the value assigned to `DIR_LANGUAGE` is a valid, existing directory on the application server's file system. For example, it might be `/usr/sap/<SIDs>/SYS/global/language` or similar. Pay close attention to typos, missing slashes, or incorrect drive letters (if applicable).
7
If the directory is incorrect or does not exist, correct the value to point to the correct, pre-existing directory.
8
Save the changes to the profile.
9
Restart the SAP S/4HANA application server instances for the changes to take effect. This can be done via transaction `SM51` -> 'System' -> 'Restart' or using operating system commands.
2. Create Missing Language Directory on Application Server medium
Creates the necessary directory on the application server if it's missing.
1
Identify the value of the `DIR_LANGUAGE` profile parameter. This can be done via transaction `RZ10` (as described in the previous solution) or by checking the system profile files directly on the application server.
2
Log in to the operating system of your SAP S/4HANA application server using an account with sufficient privileges to create directories (e.g., the `<sid>adm` user).
3
Navigate to the parent directory where the `DIR_LANGUAGE` should reside.
4
Create the directory specified by `DIR_LANGUAGE` using the appropriate operating system command. Ensure the directory has the correct ownership and permissions for the SAP system to access it (typically owned by `<sid>adm` and group `sapsys`).
5
Example for Linux/Unix:
sudo mkdir -p /usr/sap/<SIDs>/SYS/global/language
sudo chown <sid>adm:sapsys /usr/sap/<SIDs>/SYS/global/language
sudo chmod 755 /usr/sap/<SIDs>/SYS/global/language6
Example for Windows (PowerShell):
$sapSid = "<SIDs>"
$langDirPath = "C:\Program Files\SAP\$sapSid\SYS\global\language"
New-Item -Path $langDirPath -ItemType Directory -Force
7
After creating the directory, restart the SAP S/4HANA application server instances. This can be done via transaction `SM51` -> 'System' -> 'Restart' or using operating system commands.
3. Reinstall or Restore Language Packs advanced
Addresses potential corruption or missing files within the language directory.
1
Determine which language packs are installed and potentially corrupted. You can check installed languages in transaction `SP0E` or `SCC4` (though `SCC4` is more for client settings, it might give an indication).
2
Identify the SAP Support Packages or specific language packs that need to be reinstalled. This may involve referring to SAP Notes or consulting with SAP support.
3
Download the necessary language installation files from the SAP Software Download Center (SAP Support Portal).
4
Use the SAP Software Logistics Toolset (SWPM - Software Provisioning Manager) or the `SAPCAR` utility to extract the downloaded language files.
5
Execute the language installation process. This is typically done using `SWPM` or by running specific installation programs for the language packs. The exact procedure depends on the version of S/4HANA and the method of installation.
6
Ensure that the installation process correctly places the language files in the directory specified by `DIR_LANGUAGE`.
7
After the installation, perform a full system restart of the SAP S/4HANA application server instances.