How To Fix EARC020 - The archive file is already open

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EARC - IS-U: Archiving

• Message number: 020

• Message text: The archive file is already open

What causes this issue?

The archive file selected for display is already open and cannot be
reopened to display the archive.
This problem may occur if either the deletion or the reload program has
already been started for the archive file and has not finished
processing yet.

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?

Check if a deletion or reload program is running at present for this
archive file. If so, wait until it has finished running. Then start the
display program again.
If this is not the case, then make a note of the following:
the message text and the message number,
the name of the archiving object and
the number of the archiving run that caused the error.
Send a problem message to SAP with the above details.

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 EARC020 - The archive file is already open ?

  The SAP error message EARC020, which states "The archive file is already open," typically occurs when there is an attempt to access an archive file that is currently being used or locked by another process. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when multiple users or processes try to access the same archive file simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another user or process is currently accessing the archive file.
  Incomplete Process: A previous process that accessed the archive file did not close it properly.
  File Locking: The operating system may have locked the file due to a previous operation that did not release the lock.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Active Processes: Identify if another user or process is currently using the archive file. You may need to coordinate with other users or check system logs to find out who is accessing the file.
  Wait and Retry: If the file is being accessed by another process, wait for that process to complete and then try again.
  Restart the Process: If you suspect that a previous process did not close the file properly, you may need to restart the relevant SAP process or transaction.
  Check for Locks: Use transaction codes like SM12 (to check for locks) to see if there are any active locks on the archive file and resolve them if necessary.
  System Restart: In some cases, a system restart may be required to clear any lingering locks or processes that are holding onto the archive file.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or support for specific guidance related to your version and configuration.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SARA (Archive Administration) and SARI (Archive Information System) for managing archive files.
  User Permissions: Ensure that users have the necessary permissions to access and modify archive files.
  System Logs: Review system logs for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to contact SAP support for further assistance.