How To Fix 5M291 - Error while reading the status file: Payroll status could not be read

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5M - Error Messages for Denmark

• Message number: 291

• Message text: Error while reading the status file: Payroll status could not be read

Self-Explanatory Message

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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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5M291 - Error while reading the status file: Payroll status could not be read ?

  The SAP error message 5M291 indicates that there is an issue with reading the payroll status file, which is essential for processing payroll in the SAP system. This error can occur due to various reasons, and understanding the cause is crucial for finding a solution.
  Causes of Error 5M291
  
  File Not Found: The payroll status file may not exist in the expected directory or may have been deleted or moved.
  File Permissions: The user or the SAP system may not have the necessary permissions to access the payroll status file.
  File Corruption: The payroll status file may be corrupted, making it unreadable by the system.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the payroll processing settings that prevent the system from locating or reading the file.
  System Errors: Temporary system errors or issues with the underlying database can also lead to this error.
  
  Solutions to Error 5M291
  
  
  Check File Existence:
  
  Verify that the payroll status file exists in the specified directory. If it is missing, you may need to restore it from a backup or regenerate it.
  
  
  
  Verify File Permissions:
  
  Ensure that the SAP system has the necessary permissions to read the payroll status file. Check the file and directory permissions and adjust them if necessary.
  
  
  
  Check for File Corruption:
  
  If the file exists but cannot be read, check for corruption. You may need to replace the file with a backup or regenerate it.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings:
  
  Check the configuration settings related to payroll processing in SAP. Ensure that all paths and parameters are correctly set up.
  
  
  
  System Logs:
  
  Review the system logs (transaction codes like SLG1) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  
  
  Restart the Process:
  
  Sometimes, simply restarting the payroll process or the SAP application server can resolve temporary issues.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  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 known issues.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data), PC00_MXX_CALC (Payroll Calculation), and SLG1 (Application Log) for troubleshooting.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to payroll processing and file handling for additional insights.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a suitable solution.