How To Fix 04203 - FTP connection to &: Unable to set binary mode

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 04 -

• Message number: 203

• Message text: FTP connection to &: Unable to set binary mode

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 04203 - FTP connection to &: Unable to set binary mode ?

  The SAP error message "04203 FTP connection to &: Unable to set binary mode" typically indicates an issue with the FTP connection when SAP is trying to transfer files in binary mode. This error can arise due to various reasons, including network issues, FTP server configuration, or incorrect parameters in the SAP system.
  Causes:
  
  FTP Server Configuration: The FTP server may not support binary mode or may have restrictions on certain types of connections.
  Network Issues: There could be network connectivity problems between the SAP system and the FTP server.
  Incorrect FTP Parameters: The FTP connection parameters (like hostname, port, username, password) may be incorrectly configured in the SAP system.
  Firewall or Security Settings: Firewalls or security settings may be blocking the FTP connection or specific commands like setting binary mode.
  FTP Client Limitations: The FTP client used by SAP may have limitations or bugs that prevent it from setting binary mode correctly.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check FTP Server Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the FTP server is configured to accept binary mode transfers. You may need to consult the server documentation or contact the server administrator.
  
  
  
  Verify Network Connectivity:
  
  Test the network connection between the SAP system and the FTP server. You can use tools like ping or traceroute to diagnose connectivity issues.
  
  
  
  Review FTP Parameters:
  
  Double-check the FTP connection parameters in the SAP system. Ensure that the hostname, port, username, and password are correct.
  
  
  
  Firewall and Security Settings:
  
  Check if there are any firewalls or security settings that might be blocking the FTP connection. You may need to allow specific ports or commands through the firewall.
  
  
  
  Use Alternative FTP Clients:
  
  If the issue persists, consider using a different FTP client or method to transfer files, such as SFTP (Secure FTP) if supported by the server.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to FTP connections. You can search the SAP Support Portal for relevant notes.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If you have access to the SAP system's logs, review them for more detailed error messages that could provide additional context for the failure.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for details on configuring FTP connections.
  FTP Protocol: Understanding the FTP protocol and its modes (ASCII and binary) can help in troubleshooting.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to involve your IT department or SAP support for further assistance.