How To Fix AM503 - The archive handle 0 is not intended for archive access

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AM - Business Address Services

• Message number: 503

• Message text: The archive handle 0 is not intended for archive access

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 AM503 - The archive handle 0 is not intended for archive access ?

  The SAP error message AM503, which states "The archive handle 0 is not intended for archive access," typically occurs in the context of SAP Archive Management. This error indicates that there is an issue with the archive handle being used for accessing archived data. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Archive Handle: The error suggests that the archive handle (in this case, '0') is not valid or has not been initialized properly. An archive handle is a reference to an archive file that SAP uses to access archived data.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be a misconfiguration in the archive settings or the archive object.
  Data Corruption: The archive file may be corrupted or not accessible due to file system issues.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to access the archive.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Archive Handle Initialization:
  
  Ensure that the archive handle is correctly initialized before attempting to access archived data. This may involve checking the code or configuration that generates the handle.
  
  
  
  Verify Archive Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction code SARA (Archive Administration) and check the configuration for the relevant archive object. Ensure that the settings are correct and that the archive files are properly defined.
  
  
  
  Check Archive Files:
  
  Use transaction code SARA to check the status of the archive files. Ensure that the files are not corrupted and are accessible. You can also check the file system where the archives are stored.
  
  
  
  Review Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user executing the transaction has the necessary authorizations to access the archive. This may involve checking roles and permissions in the user profile.
  
  
  
  Recreate Archive Handle:
  
  If the handle is invalid, you may need to recreate it. This could involve re-running the archiving process for the relevant data.
  
  
  
  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 that resolve known issues related to this error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SARA: Archive Administration
  SARI: Archive Information System
  SAD1: Archive Data Deletion
  
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on Archive Management for best practices and troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  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 issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to contact SAP support for further assistance.