How To Fix ESH_SEARCH238 - Ref. request &1 of ref. template &2 template &3 does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ESH_SEARCH - ESH Search

• Message number: 238

• Message text: Ref. request &1 of ref. template &2 template &3 does not exist

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ESH_SEARCH238 - Ref. request &1 of ref. template &2 template &3 does not exist ?

  The SAP error message ESH_SEARCH238 indicates that there is a problem related to a reference request in the context of SAP Enterprise Search. Specifically, it suggests that a reference request associated with a reference template does not exist. This can occur in various scenarios, such as when trying to execute a search or when configuring search settings.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Reference Request: The reference request specified in the error message does not exist in the system. This could be due to deletion, incorrect configuration, or a mismatch in the reference template.
  Incorrect Configuration: The reference template or request may not have been set up correctly, leading to the system being unable to find the specified reference.
  Transport Issues: If the reference request was transported from another system, it may not have been transported correctly, leading to missing objects.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the reference request or template.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existence: Verify that the reference request and reference template mentioned in the error message actually exist in the system. You can do this by navigating to the relevant transaction codes or using the SAP GUI.
  Recreate Missing Objects: If the reference request or template is missing, you may need to recreate it. This could involve creating a new reference request or reconfiguring the existing templates.
  Review Configuration: Go through the configuration settings for the search and ensure that all necessary components are correctly set up. This includes checking the settings in the SAP NetWeaver Administrator or the relevant configuration transactions.
  Transport Check: If the issue arose after a transport, check the transport logs to ensure that all necessary objects were included and successfully imported.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the reference request and template. You may need to consult with your security team to verify this.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to Enterprise Search for any specific guidance or known issues related to this error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to ESH_SEARCH238. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common errors.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  System Logs: Review system logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.