How To Fix ESH_ADM_MSG138 - Background process for real-time indexing could not be started

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ESH_ADM_MSG - ESH Administration and Monitoring Tool

• Message number: 138

• Message text: Background process for real-time indexing could not be started

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ESH_ADM_MSG138 - Background process for real-time indexing could not be started ?

  The SAP error message ESH_ADM_MSG138 indicates that the background process for real-time indexing in the SAP Enterprise Search (SAP ESH) could not be started. This error can occur due to various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution.
  Possible Causes:
  
  Configuration Issues: The real-time indexing might not be properly configured in the system.
  Missing Background Job: The necessary background job for real-time indexing may not be scheduled or may have failed.
  Resource Limitations: Insufficient system resources (CPU, memory) can prevent the background process from starting.
  Authorization Issues: The user or service account running the background job may lack the necessary authorizations.
  System Errors: There may be underlying system errors or issues with the SAP NetWeaver Application Server.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Verify the configuration settings for real-time indexing in the SAP ESH settings. Ensure that all required parameters are correctly set.
  
  
  
  Review Background Jobs:
  
  Go to transaction SM37 to check the status of background jobs. Look for any jobs related to real-time indexing and check their logs for errors.
  If the job is missing, you may need to create or schedule it again.
  
  
  
  Monitor System Resources:
  
  Use transaction ST02 (Tune Summary) or ST04 (Database Performance) to monitor system performance and resource usage. Ensure that there are enough resources available for the background process to start.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user or service account has the necessary authorizations to execute background jobs and perform real-time indexing.
  
  
  
  Review System Logs:
  
  Check the system logs (transaction SM21) for any related error messages that could provide more context about why the process could not start.
  
  
  
  Restart Services:
  
  Sometimes, restarting the relevant services or the entire SAP system can resolve transient issues.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error message or provide patches and updates.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SM37: Monitor Background Jobs
  ST22: Dump Analysis
  SM21: System Log
  ST02: Tune Summary
  ST04: Database Performance
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for Enterprise Search and real-time indexing for detailed configuration and troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.