How To Fix 26203 - FTP connection to &: binary mode cannot be set

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 26 - Dokumentenverwaltung

• Message number: 203

• Message text: FTP connection to &: binary mode cannot be set

What causes this issue?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Please register this internal error at SAP.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 26203 - FTP connection to &: binary mode cannot be set ?

  The SAP error message 26203, which states "FTP connection to &: binary mode cannot be set," typically occurs when there is an issue with the FTP connection settings or the configuration of the FTP server. Here are some potential causes, solutions, and related information for this error:
  Causes:
  
  FTP Server Configuration: The FTP server may not support binary mode or may be misconfigured.
  Network Issues: There could be network connectivity issues between the SAP system and the FTP server.
  Incorrect FTP Settings: The FTP connection parameters (like hostname, port, username, password) may be incorrect.
  Firewall Restrictions: Firewalls or security settings may be blocking the FTP connection or specific commands.
  SAP Configuration: The SAP system may not be properly configured to handle FTP connections.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check FTP Server Settings:
  
  Ensure that the FTP server is configured to allow binary mode transfers. You may need to consult the server documentation or administrator.
  
  
  
  Verify Connection Parameters:
  
  Double-check the FTP connection settings in the SAP system (transaction code SM59 for RFC destinations). Ensure that the hostname, port, username, and password are correct.
  
  
  
  Test Network Connectivity:
  
  Use command-line tools (like ping or telnet) to test connectivity to the FTP server from the SAP application server. This can help identify any network issues.
  
  
  
  Review Firewall Settings:
  
  Check if there are any firewall rules that might be blocking FTP traffic. Ensure that the necessary ports (usually port 21 for FTP) are open.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes:
  
  Look for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for known issues.
  
  
  
  Use Passive Mode:
  
  If the FTP server supports it, try using passive mode for the FTP connection. This can sometimes resolve issues related to firewalls and NAT.
  
  
  
  Consult Logs:
  
  Review the SAP application logs and the FTP server logs for any additional error messages or clues that could help diagnose the issue.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  FTP Modes: Understand the difference between ASCII and binary modes in FTP. Binary mode is used for transferring files that are not plain text (like images, executables, etc.).
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP's official documentation for more details on configuring FTP connections and troubleshooting common issues.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it may be beneficial to involve your network or system administrator for further investigation.