BCS_MAIL401 - Invalid alternative part

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BCS_MAIL - BCS: Mail messages

• Message number: 401

• Message text: Invalid alternative part

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BCS_MAIL401 - Invalid alternative part ?

  The SAP error message BCS_MAIL401: Invalid alternative part typically occurs in the context of the SAP Business Communication Services (BCS) when there is an issue with the email configuration or the content being processed. This error can arise when the system is unable to find a valid alternative part for the email being sent, which may be due to various reasons.
  Causes:
  
  Invalid Email Configuration: The email settings in the SAP system may not be correctly configured, leading to issues in sending emails.
  Missing or Incorrect MIME Types: The email content may include attachments or alternative parts that are not properly defined or supported.
  Corrupted Email Content: The content being sent may be corrupted or improperly formatted, causing the system to fail in processing it.
  System Limitations: There may be limitations in the system regarding the types of content that can be sent via email.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Email Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the SMTP settings in the SAP system are correctly configured. This includes checking the mail server settings and ensuring that the necessary authorizations are in place.
  Verify that the email addresses being used are valid and correctly formatted.
  
  
  
  Review MIME Types:
  
  Check the MIME types of the attachments or alternative parts being sent. Ensure that they are supported by the SAP system and correctly defined in the email content.
  
  
  
  Inspect Email Content:
  
  Review the content of the email being sent. Look for any special characters or formatting issues that may cause problems.
  If attachments are included, ensure they are not corrupted and are in a supported format.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use transaction codes like SOST (to check the status of sent emails) and SCOT (to configure communication settings) to troubleshoot the issue further.
  Check the application logs (transaction SLG1) for more detailed error messages that may provide additional context.
  
  
  
  Update SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error. Sometimes, SAP releases patches or updates that resolve known issues.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review the SAP documentation related to BCS and email handling for any specific guidelines or best practices.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SOST (to monitor sent emails) and SCOT (to configure communication settings).
  SAP Notes: Regularly check the SAP Support Portal for any notes related to BCS and email issues.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.