How To Fix DBMAN213 - The return to a file on the app. server is only permitted in the backgrnd

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DBMAN - Data Manager Message Class

• Message number: 213

• Message text: The return to a file on the app. server is only permitted in the backgrnd

What causes this issue?

In the background, you are only permitted to return to a file on the
application server.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Either choose the return type 'Store in file (Appl. Server)' or do not
execute this program in the background.

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 DBMAN213 - The return to a file on the app. server is only permitted in the backgrnd ?

  The SAP error message DBMAN213 indicates that a return to a file on the application server is only permitted in the background. This error typically occurs when a program or report attempts to write output to a file on the application server while it is being executed in the foreground (interactive mode). 
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that certain operations, such as writing to files on the application server, are restricted to background processing. This is a design choice in SAP to ensure that long-running processes do not block the user interface and to manage resources more effectively.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Run the Program in Background Mode:
  
  If you are executing a report or program that generates output to a file on the application server, you should run it in background mode. You can do this by:
  
  Using transaction SM37 to schedule the job.
  Using the /n command followed by the program name in the command field and selecting the option to run it in the background.
  
  
  
  
  
  Modify the Program Logic:
  
  If you have access to the program code, you can modify it to check if it is running in the foreground or background. If it is running in the foreground, you can either:
  
  Change the logic to avoid writing to the file directly.
  Use a different method to handle the output, such as displaying it on the screen or writing it to a temporary table.
  
  
  
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user executing the program has the necessary authorizations to run background jobs and write to files on the application server.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review the SAP documentation or help files related to the specific program or transaction you are using to understand its expected behavior and any limitations.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Background Processing: In SAP, background processing allows long-running jobs to be executed without user intervention, freeing up the user interface for other tasks.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SM37 (Job Monitoring) and SM36 (Define Background Job) for managing background jobs.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to the program you are using, as there may be known issues or enhancements.
  
  If the problem persists after trying these solutions, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis team or SAP support for further assistance.