How To Fix CSL_TOKENMGMT028 - CSL: Inconsistency with &1: Reference counter is negative (&2)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CSL_TOKENMGMT - CSL: Message Class for Token Management Messages

• Message number: 028

• Message text: CSL: Inconsistency with &1: Reference counter is negative (&2)

What causes this issue?

Kontext: Cross-system and cross-LUW lock (CSL).
The reference count of the CSL token &1 is &2: a negative reference
count is an invalid status!
This inconsistency means that a CSL reference was used more than once.
The cause for this could be:
Serialization error: a CSL-internal message of the type "Create
reference" was overwritten by its counterpaft, the CSL-internal message
"Release reference".
Administration error: A message that contains a CSL reference, for
example, an IDOC, was posted several times.
Programming error: The programming model of the CSL was not adhered to.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Serialization errors can be excluded through activation of the function
"Reference follow-up", Customizing setting 'LCT' or 'LCTM' (the 'T'
stands for the function 'Tracking').
If there is an administration error, the reference count can be
corrected.
If there is a programming error, document the process that caused the
inconsistency, and inform the respective development department.

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 CSL_TOKENMGMT028 - CSL: Inconsistency with &1: Reference counter is negative (&2) ?

  The SAP error message CSL_TOKENMGMT028 indicates an inconsistency in the token management system, specifically related to a negative reference counter for a token. This error typically arises in the context of SAP's Centralized License Management (CSL) or similar licensing mechanisms.
  Cause:
  The error message CSL_TOKENMGMT028 is triggered when the reference counter for a specific token (identified by &1) becomes negative (indicated by &2). This situation can occur due to several reasons, including:
  
  Improper Token Management: Tokens may not have been properly incremented or decremented during their lifecycle, leading to an incorrect reference count.
  System Errors: Bugs or issues in the SAP system that affect how tokens are managed.
  Manual Changes: Manual interventions or changes in the database that affect the token reference counts.
  Data Corruption: Corruption in the database or inconsistencies in the token management tables.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Token Management Tables: Investigate the relevant token management tables in the SAP database to identify the token with the negative reference counter. You may need to look at tables like CSL_TOKENS or similar, depending on your SAP version.
  
  
  Correct the Reference Counter: If you identify the token with the negative reference counter, you may need to manually correct the reference count. This should be done with caution and ideally under the guidance of SAP support or a qualified SAP consultant.
  
  
  Review System Logs: Check the system logs for any related errors or warnings that might provide additional context about what led to the inconsistency.
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support: Search for relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error. SAP frequently releases notes that provide fixes or workarounds for known issues.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists or if you are unsure about making changes to the database, it is advisable to contact SAP support for assistance. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific system configuration and version.
  
  
  System Update: Ensure that your SAP system is up to date with the latest patches and updates, as these may contain fixes for known issues related to token management.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Review the official SAP documentation related to token management and licensing to understand how tokens are supposed to function and be managed.
  Community Forums: Check SAP community forums or other user groups for discussions related to this error, as other users may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  Testing Environment: If possible, replicate the issue in a testing environment to better understand the cause and test potential solutions without affecting the production system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the CSL_TOKENMGMT028 error effectively.