How To Fix CSM_VMC059 - Total Fragmentation of Shared Memory

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CSM_VMC - Messages for VM Container Monitoring

• Message number: 059

• Message text: Total Fragmentation of Shared Memory

System Response

Percentage of allocated memory that is not being used (fragmentation). A
high fragmentation of the shared memory (50% and more) can reduce
performance due to high "page fault" numbers.
You can find more information about the memory classes in the VM
Container in the online documentation under
<DS:KENO.001560AA0E081DEB91E241270609CAF7>Memory Management in the VM
Container</>.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CSM_VMC059 - Total Fragmentation of Shared Memory ?

  The SAP error message CSM_VMC059, which indicates "Total Fragmentation of Shared Memory," typically arises in the context of SAP systems that utilize shared memory for various operations, such as the Message Server or the enqueue server. This error suggests that the shared memory is highly fragmented, which can lead to performance issues or even system failures.
  Cause:
  
  Memory Fragmentation: Over time, as processes allocate and deallocate memory, the shared memory can become fragmented. This means that there are many small, unused blocks of memory that cannot be utilized effectively.
  Insufficient Memory Allocation: If the initial memory allocation for the shared memory area is too low, it can lead to fragmentation as the system tries to manage memory for various processes.
  High Load: A high number of concurrent users or processes can exacerbate fragmentation issues, as more memory is allocated and deallocated frequently.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings for shared memory parameters can lead to inefficient memory usage.
  
  Solution:
  
  Increase Shared Memory Size: Review and increase the size of the shared memory allocation in the SAP profile parameters. This can be done by adjusting parameters such as rdisp/shm_size or enque/table_size.
  Restart the System: In some cases, a restart of the SAP system can help defragment the shared memory, as it clears the current allocations and starts fresh.
  Monitor Memory Usage: Use transaction codes like SM04 or SM50 to monitor memory usage and identify any processes that are consuming excessive memory.
  Adjust Configuration: Review and adjust the configuration settings related to shared memory in the instance profile. Ensure that the parameters are set according to the best practices for your specific SAP environment.
  Regular Maintenance: Implement regular maintenance tasks to monitor and manage memory usage, including periodic restarts if necessary.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to memory management and fragmentation issues. SAP often provides specific guidance and patches for known issues.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have implemented.
  Performance Monitoring Tools: Utilize SAP's performance monitoring tools to analyze memory usage patterns and identify potential bottlenecks.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to consult with SAP support for further assistance.