How To Fix BT326 - Specifications for the external command are incomplete

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BT - Background processing messages

• Message number: 326

• Message text: Specifications for the external command are incomplete

What causes this issue?

You are trying to create a job step with an external command whose tasks
are incomplete.

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?

Enter the name of the command, the associated operating system, and the
name of the server on which you want to execute the command. When
'localhost' is specified, the command is executed from the server on
which the background job is running.

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 BT326 - Specifications for the external command are incomplete ?

  The SAP error message BT326, which states "Specifications for the external command are incomplete," typically occurs when there is an issue with the configuration of an external command in the SAP system. This error can arise in various contexts, such as when trying to execute a background job or an external program that is not properly defined.
  Causes:
  
  Incomplete Configuration: The external command may not be fully defined in the system. This could include missing parameters or incorrect settings.
  Missing Authorization: The user executing the command may not have the necessary authorizations to run the external command.
  Incorrect Path or Command: The path to the external program or the command itself may be incorrect or not accessible.
  System Environment Issues: There may be issues with the environment where the external command is supposed to run, such as missing libraries or dependencies.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check External Command Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction code SM69 (Define External Commands) in SAP.
  Verify that the external command is correctly defined, including all required parameters and settings.
  Ensure that the command is pointing to the correct executable file and that the path is valid.
  
  
  
  Review Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user executing the command has the necessary authorizations. You can check this in transaction SU53 after the error occurs to see if there are any authorization issues.
  
  
  
  Test the Command Outside SAP:
  
  If possible, try to run the external command directly in the operating system (e.g., command line) to ensure that it works as expected outside of SAP.
  
  
  
  Check System Environment:
  
  Ensure that the environment where the command is executed has all the necessary dependencies and libraries installed.
  Check for any system logs or error messages that might indicate issues with the environment.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Look for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SM69: To define and manage external commands.
  SU53: To analyze authorization issues.
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to external commands and background processing for more detailed information on configuration and troubleshooting.
  System Logs: Check system logs (transaction SM21) for any additional error messages that might provide more context about the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the BT326 error in your SAP system.