Error
Error Code:
5165
SAP S/4HANA Error 5165: Empty Language Directory
Description
Error 5165 indicates that SAP S/4HANA cannot find or access essential language files because the configured directory is empty. This typically occurs during system startup, language pack updates, or when processing language-dependent content, preventing proper display of localized text.
Error Message
ERR_TEXT_COMMON_LANGUAGE_DIR_DIRECTORY_IS_EMPTY
Known Causes
3 known causesMisconfigured Directory Path
The path specified in SAP S/4HANA's configuration for language files points to a non-existent or incorrect location. This prevents the system from finding any language resources.
Incomplete Language Pack Deployment
Essential language files or entire language packs were not properly installed or deployed to the designated directory. The directory exists but contains no required files.
Insufficient Directory Permissions
The SAP S/4HANA system user lacks the necessary read permissions for the specified language directory. This makes the directory appear empty to the application.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Verify and Configure SAP Language Settings medium
Ensures the necessary language data is present and correctly configured within the SAP system.
1
Log in to your SAP S/4HANA system with an administrator user (e.g., SAP* or DDIC).
2
Execute transaction code `RZ10` (Profile Maintenance).
3
Select the default profile or the relevant instance profile.
4
Click 'Display' to view the current profile parameters.
5
Check for parameters related to language settings. The primary parameter is `zcsa/installed_languages`. Ensure it lists the languages installed and active in your system (e.g., 'E' for English, 'D' for German). If this parameter is missing or incorrect, you need to add or correct it.
6
If you need to add or modify language parameters, select 'Extended maintenance', then 'Change', and then 'Add' or 'Change' for the parameter `zcsa/installed_languages`. Enter the correct language codes separated by commas or spaces as per SAP documentation.
7
Save the changes to the profile. You will be prompted to activate the changed profile.
8
Restart the SAP S/4HANA application server instances for the changes to take effect.
9
After the restart, try to perform the operation that triggered the error again.
2. Perform Language Import/Correction advanced
Addresses the issue by importing or correcting language data that might be missing or corrupted.
1
Log in to your SAP S/4HANA system with an administrator user (e.g., SAP* or DDIC).
2
Execute transaction code `SP12` (Cross-System Maintenance).
3
Navigate to 'SAP Language Tools' -> 'Language Import'.
4
Select the language(s) that are reported as missing or are causing the error. If you are unsure, you can try importing the base language (usually English 'E') or any other language that is part of your system's active languages.
5
Ensure you have the correct SAP Language Packs (LPs) available for your S/4HANA version. These are typically downloaded from SAP Support Portal. You might need to specify the path to these LPs.
6
Initiate the language import process. This can take a significant amount of time depending on the size of the language pack and system load.
7
Monitor the import process for any errors. If errors occur, consult SAP Notes and logs for troubleshooting.
8
Once the import is complete, restart the SAP S/4HANA application server instances.
9
Test the functionality that previously failed.
3. Check SAP Notes and Support Packages easy
Verifies if the error is a known issue with a corresponding SAP Note or Support Package.
1
Go to the SAP Support Portal (support.sap.com).
2
Navigate to 'SAP Notes' or 'Knowledge Base Articles'.
3
Search for 'Error 5165', 'ERR_TEXT_COMMON_LANGUAGE_DIR_DIRECTORY_IS_EMPTY', or related keywords combined with 'SAP S/4HANA'.
4
Review the search results for any SAP Notes that describe this exact error or similar symptoms. Pay attention to the affected S/4HANA versions and required Support Packages (SPs).
5
If a relevant SAP Note is found, carefully read its description, prerequisites, and resolution steps. This might involve applying a specific Support Package or implementing manual correction instructions.
6
If a Support Package is recommended, plan and execute its installation following standard SAP procedures. This usually involves transaction `SPAM` or `SAINT`.
7
After applying the Note or Support Package, restart the SAP S/4HANA application server instances and test the functionality.