How To Fix BCOMAL173 - Version &1 of the external software has an incorrect format

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BCOMAL - Business Communication: Alert Monitor Messages

• Message number: 173

• Message text: Version &1 of the external software has an incorrect format

What causes this issue?

The version number of the external software must have the format
A.BBCDDD
where
A = a number, increased with incompatible interface changes
B = a number, increased with large, compatible interface
changes
C = a letter, changed with smaller changes
D = either, not evaluated by SAPphone.
The version number is used for the compatibility check in SAPconnect or
SAPphone. The values of A, B and C should correspond with the version
of the SAPconnect or SAPphone interface for which the software was
created or last adapted.

System Response

The compatibility of the versions of SAPconnect or SAPphone with the
external software cannot be checked. Nevertheless, the SAPconnect node
or the SAPphone server can be activated and used. However, errors may
occur and functions that are not supported are possible.

How to fix this error?

Check whether the correct version of the external software is being
used.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BCOMAL173 - Version &1 of the external software has an incorrect format ?

  The SAP error message BCOMAL173 indicates that there is an issue with the version of an external software component that is being used in conjunction with SAP. This error typically arises when the version of the external software does not match the expected format or is incompatible with the version of SAP you are using.
  Cause:
  
  Incompatible Version: The version of the external software (e.g., a connector, interface, or third-party application) does not match the version expected by SAP.
  Incorrect Format: The version string may not conform to the expected format (e.g., missing components, incorrect delimiters).
  Configuration Issues: There may be misconfigurations in the settings that define which version of the external software should be used.
  Updates or Patches: If the external software has been updated or patched, it may have introduced changes that are not compatible with the current SAP environment.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Version Compatibility: Verify the version of the external software you are using against the compatibility matrix provided by SAP. Ensure that the version is supported for your specific SAP version.
  Correct Format: Ensure that the version string is correctly formatted. This may involve checking for typos or incorrect delimiters.
  Update or Rollback: If the version is incompatible, consider updating the external software to a compatible version or rolling back to a previous version that is known to work with your SAP system.
  Configuration Review: Review the configuration settings in SAP related to the external software. Ensure that they are set correctly and that there are no discrepancies.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the documentation for both SAP and the external software for any specific requirements or known issues related to version compatibility.
  Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or the support team for the external software for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the error message BCOMAL173.
  Release Notes: Review the release notes of the external software for any changes that might affect compatibility.
  Community Forums: Look for discussions in SAP community forums or other technical forums where similar issues may have been addressed.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.