How To Fix BT331 - Internal error occurred checking the external command

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BT - Background processing messages

• Message number: 331

• Message text: Internal error occurred checking the external command

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 BT331 - Internal error occurred checking the external command ?

  The SAP error message BT331, which states "Internal error occurred checking the external command," typically indicates that there is an issue with the execution of an external command or program that SAP is trying to run. This error can arise from various underlying causes, and addressing it usually involves a few steps to diagnose and resolve the issue.
  Possible Causes:
  
  
  Configuration Issues: The external command may not be properly configured in the SAP system. This could include incorrect paths, missing executables, or misconfigured parameters.
  
  
  Authorization Problems: The user or the system may not have the necessary permissions to execute the external command.
  
  
  System Environment: The environment in which the external command is supposed to run may not be set up correctly. This includes issues with the operating system, missing libraries, or incorrect environment variables.
  
  
  Network Issues: If the external command involves network resources, there may be connectivity issues or firewall restrictions preventing access.
  
  
  Program Errors: The external command itself may have bugs or issues that cause it to fail when called from SAP.
  
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Configuration: Verify the configuration settings for the external command in the SAP system. Ensure that the command is correctly defined in transaction codes like SM69 (Define External Commands).
  
  
  Test the Command Manually: Try executing the external command manually from the command line of the operating system to see if it runs without issues. This can help identify if the problem lies with the command itself.
  
  
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user executing the command has the necessary authorizations. Check the roles and profiles assigned to the user.
  
  
  Check Logs: Look at the SAP system logs (transaction SM21) and the application logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages or warnings that could provide more context.
  
  
  Environment Variables: Ensure that any required environment variables are set correctly in the operating system where the SAP application server is running.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or notes related to the specific external command being used. There may be known issues or additional configuration steps required.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists after trying the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the error, including any logs and the context in which it occurs.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Community Forums: SAP Community and other forums can be valuable resources for finding similar issues faced by other users and their solutions.
  Documentation: Review the official SAP documentation for the specific version of SAP you are using, as there may be version-specific considerations.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the BT331 error in your SAP system.