How To Fix FC443 - External documents are not supported as of Release 4.0

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FC - FI configuration error messages

• Message number: 443

• Message text: External documents are not supported as of Release 4.0

What causes this issue?

You want to define a company code as an "external company code" so as
to be able to enter "external documents".
"External documents" are not supported as of Release 4.0.
Data exchange between different SAP Systems should be solely by means
of ALE technology.

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?

Use ALE technology for the business processes affected in Release 4.0
and later Releases.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FC443 - External documents are not supported as of Release 4.0 ?

  The SAP error message FC443, which states "External documents are not supported as of Release 4.0," typically occurs when a user attempts to process or reference external documents in a way that is no longer supported in the version of SAP they are using. This error is particularly relevant in the context of financial accounting and document management.
  Cause:
  The error arises because, starting from SAP Release 4.0, the system no longer supports the use of external documents in certain transactions or functionalities. This could be due to changes in how SAP handles document management or a shift towards internal document handling mechanisms.
  Solution:
  To resolve the FC443 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Document Type: Ensure that the document you are trying to use is compatible with the current version of SAP. If it is an external document, you may need to convert it to an internal format or use a different method to reference it.
  
  
  Use Internal Document Management: If you need to attach documents, consider using SAP's internal document management system (DMS) or other supported methods for document handling.
  
  
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings in your SAP system related to document management. Ensure that the settings align with the requirements of your business processes.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or release notes for your specific version to understand the changes made in Release 4.0 regarding document handling.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They can provide guidance based on your specific system configuration and requirements.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Look for relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional context on document handling changes in Release 4.0.
  Training and Resources: Consider training sessions or resources that focus on document management in SAP, especially if your organization frequently deals with external documents.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where you can share experiences and solutions with other SAP users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the FC443 error and adapt your processes to align with the capabilities of your SAP system.