How To Fix EI421 - Archiving terminated; archive could not be opened

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EI - Foreign Trade: Gen. Output

• Message number: 421

• Message text: Archiving terminated; archive could not be opened

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EI421 - Archiving terminated; archive could not be opened ?

  The SAP error message EI421, which states "Archiving terminated; archive could not be opened," typically occurs during the archiving process when the system is unable to access or open the specified archive file. This can happen for several reasons. Below are the common causes, potential solutions, and related information for this error:
  Causes:
  
  File Path Issues: The archive file may not be located in the specified directory, or the path may be incorrect.
  File Permissions: The user or the SAP system may not have the necessary permissions to access the archive file.
  File Corruption: The archive file may be corrupted or damaged, preventing it from being opened.
  Disk Space: There may not be enough disk space available on the server where the archive is stored.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration settings in the SAP system related to archiving.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check File Path: Verify that the archive file exists in the specified directory and that the path is correct.
  Review Permissions: Ensure that the SAP system user has the necessary permissions to read and write to the directory where the archive file is located.
  Check File Integrity: If possible, check the integrity of the archive file. If it is corrupted, you may need to restore it from a backup or recreate it.
  Free Up Disk Space: Ensure that there is sufficient disk space on the server. If necessary, delete unnecessary files or increase the disk capacity.
  Review Configuration: Check the archiving configuration settings in the SAP system to ensure they are set up correctly. This includes verifying the archive object settings and the file system settings.
  Check Logs: Review the SAP application logs (transaction SLG1) for more detailed error messages that may provide additional context about the failure.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like SARA (Archive Administration) to manage archiving processes and check the status of archives.
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address specific issues related to archiving and this error message.
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP Help Portal for documentation on archiving processes and best practices.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis team or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.