How To Fix 42696 - Link error when reading terminology references

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 42 - Information Workbench

• Message number: 696

• Message text: Link error when reading terminology references

What causes this issue?

To resolve the references to terms, you need an RFC link to the
terminology system. An error occurred when this link was built.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 42696 - Link error when reading terminology references ?

  The SAP error message 42696, which states "Link error when reading terminology references," typically occurs in the context of SAP applications that utilize terminology or translation references, such as SAP Translation Hub or other localization tools. This error can arise due to various reasons, including issues with the terminology database, missing references, or configuration problems.
  Causes:
  
  Missing or Corrupted Terminology References: The terminology references that the system is trying to access may be missing or corrupted.
  Database Issues: There may be issues with the underlying database that stores the terminology references, such as connectivity problems or data integrity issues.
  Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system related to terminology management can lead to this error.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to access the terminology references.
  System Updates or Changes: Recent updates or changes to the SAP system may have affected the terminology references.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Terminology References: Verify that the terminology references are correctly set up and accessible. Ensure that the necessary files or entries exist in the system.
  Database Integrity Check: Perform a check on the database to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Look for any inconsistencies or errors that may need to be resolved.
  Review Configuration Settings: Check the configuration settings related to terminology management in the SAP system. Ensure that they are correctly configured.
  User Authorizations: Verify that the user encountering the error has the appropriate authorizations to access the terminology references.
  System Logs: Review system logs for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  SAP Notes and Support: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error. There may be patches or updates available that resolve the issue.
  Restart Services: Sometimes, simply restarting the relevant SAP services or the entire system can resolve transient issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for terminology management and translation services for more detailed guidance.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance, providing them with detailed information about the error and the context in which it occurs.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the SAP error message 42696.