How To Fix CMS_GENERAL020 - Cannot update empty buffer; error encountered in module &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CMS_GENERAL - Common Messages for CMS

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Cannot update empty buffer; error encountered in module &1

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 CMS_GENERAL020 - Cannot update empty buffer; error encountered in module &1 ?

  The SAP error message CMS_GENERAL020 indicates that there is an issue with updating an empty buffer in the context of the SAP system. This error typically arises in the context of the SAP Content Management System (CMS) or when dealing with data buffering in various modules.
  Cause:
  The error can occur due to several reasons, including:
  
  Empty Buffer: The buffer that the system is trying to update is empty, which means there is no data to process.
  Configuration Issues: There may be misconfigurations in the CMS or related modules that prevent data from being correctly loaded into the buffer.
  Data Integrity Issues: There could be issues with the data being processed, such as missing or corrupted entries.
  System Performance: If the system is under heavy load, it may not be able to handle buffer updates properly.
  Software Bugs: There may be bugs in the specific version of the SAP software you are using.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the CMS_GENERAL020 error, you can try the following steps:
  
  
  Check Buffer Status: Verify if the buffer is indeed empty. You can do this by checking the relevant logs or using transaction codes that provide buffer status information.
  
  
  Review Configuration: Ensure that the configuration settings for the CMS and related modules are correct. This includes checking any settings related to data buffering and processing.
  
  
  Data Validation: Check the data being processed for completeness and integrity. Ensure that all required fields are populated and that there are no missing entries.
  
  
  System Performance: Monitor the system performance to ensure that it is not overloaded. If necessary, consider optimizing performance or scheduling heavy processing tasks during off-peak hours.
  
  
  Update Software: If you suspect a bug, check for any available patches or updates for your SAP system. Applying the latest updates can resolve known issues.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific module you are working with. There may be specific recommendations or known issues documented.
  
  
  Contact SAP 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 the module in which it occurred and any relevant logs.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that can help you monitor and manage buffers, such as SM12 (for lock entries) and SM21 (for system logs).
  SAP Notes: Search the SAP Support Portal for notes related to the error message or the specific module you are working with.
  Community Forums: Engage with the SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the CMS_GENERAL020 error effectively.