How To Fix 00656 - OS-specific initialization failed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 00 -

• Message number: 656

• Message text: OS-specific initialization failed

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 00656 - OS-specific initialization failed ?

  The SAP error message "00656 OS-specific initialization failed" typically indicates that there is an issue with the operating system environment that is preventing the SAP system from starting or functioning correctly. This error can arise due to various reasons, including configuration issues, permission problems, or missing dependencies.
  Causes:
  
  Insufficient Permissions: The user account running the SAP instance may not have the necessary permissions to access required files or directories.
  Missing Environment Variables: Required environment variables for the SAP system may not be set correctly.
  File System Issues: Problems with the file system, such as corruption or lack of space, can lead to this error.
  Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the instance profile or other configuration files can cause initialization failures.
  Library Dependencies: Missing or incompatible libraries that the SAP system relies on can lead to this error.
  Operating System Issues: General issues with the operating system, such as updates or patches that have not been applied, can also be a factor.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Permissions: Ensure that the user account running the SAP instance has the necessary permissions to access all required files and directories.
  Verify Environment Variables: Check that all required environment variables (like SAP_HOME, SAP_SYSTEM, etc.) are set correctly.
  Inspect the File System: Ensure that there is enough disk space and that the file system is not corrupted. You can use tools like fsck on Unix/Linux systems to check for file system issues.
  Review Configuration Files: Check the instance profile and other configuration files for any incorrect settings. Make sure that all paths and parameters are correctly defined.
  Check for Missing Libraries: Use tools like ldd on Unix/Linux systems to check for missing shared libraries that the SAP system may depend on.
  Review OS Logs: Check the operating system logs for any related errors or warnings that could provide more context about the failure.
  Restart the System: Sometimes, a simple restart of the SAP instance or the entire server can resolve transient issues.
  Consult SAP Notes: Look for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance. They can provide more specific guidance based on your system configuration and logs.
  Documentation: Review the SAP Basis documentation for your specific version, as it may contain additional troubleshooting steps or best practices.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where other users may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the "00656 OS-specific initialization failed" error in your SAP environment.