How To Fix CRM_MKT_EXTERNAL013 - Error creating connection between RFC Gateway and COM server

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CRM_MKT_EXTERNAL - CRM MKT: Messages for Interface to External Products

• Message number: 013

• Message text: Error creating connection between RFC Gateway and COM server

What causes this issue?

INCLUDE CRMT_MKT_RFC_GATE OBJECT DOKU ID TX LANGUAGE EN
The message in the application log that follows this message comes
directly from the RFC Gateway.

How to fix this error?

This error may have a variety of causes.
To find the correct COM server, the RFC Gateway requires the name of
the:
COM-TypeLibrary
COM class
Interface which provides the COM methods
Some or all of these details may not be correct. Check this information
by using <DS:TRAN.SM30>Extended Table Maintenance</> to view the
content of table CRMC_EXT_SERVER.
The RFC Gateway requires a translation table that translates the RFC
interfaces and data structures into COM interfaces and data structures
and vice versa. This table is stored as an XML file and is passed on to
the RFC Gateway when you start the transaction. Ask the person who
administers the Windows machine to check the start parameters of the
RFC Gateway. For more information, see the documentation on the the RFC
Gateway.
The RFC Gateway on the Windows machine may not be running or it cannot
be reached by the CRM server via the network. For more information,
contact the administrator of the Windows machine.
See also the CRM <DS:TRAN.SM21>system log</>.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CRM_MKT_EXTERNAL013 - Error creating connection between RFC Gateway and COM server ?

  The SAP error message CRM_MKT_EXTERNAL013 indicates an issue with creating a connection between the RFC (Remote Function Call) Gateway and a COM (Component Object Model) server. This error typically arises in scenarios where SAP is trying to communicate with external applications or services via COM objects.
  Causes:
  
  Configuration Issues: The RFC Gateway may not be properly configured to communicate with the COM server.
  Network Issues: There may be network connectivity problems preventing the RFC Gateway from reaching the COM server.
  COM Server Not Running: The COM server may not be running or may not be registered correctly on the server where the RFC Gateway is hosted.
  Permissions: Insufficient permissions for the user account under which the RFC Gateway is running to access the COM server.
  Incorrect Parameters: The parameters or settings used to establish the connection may be incorrect.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Verify the configuration settings for the RFC Gateway and ensure that they are correctly set up to communicate with the COM server.
  Check the RFC destination settings in SAP (transaction code SM59) to ensure they are correct.
  
  
  
  Network Connectivity:
  
  Test the network connection between the SAP system and the COM server. Ensure that there are no firewalls or network policies blocking the communication.
  
  
  
  COM Server Status:
  
  Ensure that the COM server is running and properly registered. You can use tools like dcomcnfg to check the status and configuration of the COM server.
  
  
  
  Permissions:
  
  Check the permissions for the user account that the RFC Gateway is using. Ensure that it has the necessary rights to access the COM server.
  
  
  
  Review Logs:
  
  Check the SAP application logs (transaction code SLG1) and the Windows Event Viewer for any additional error messages that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  
  
  Test Connection:
  
  Use a simple test program or script to verify that the COM server can be accessed from the machine where the RFC Gateway is running.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific version of SAP you are using, as there may be known issues or patches available.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  RFC and COM Integration: Familiarize yourself with the integration between SAP and COM, as understanding the underlying technology can help in diagnosing issues.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.