How To Fix GD197 - File &1 could not be described: &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GD - EDT: External data transfer

• Message number: 197

• Message text: File &1 could not be described: &2

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 GD197 - File &1 could not be described: &2 ?

  The SAP error message GD197 indicates that a specific file could not be described or accessed. The message format is typically as follows:
  GD197 File &1 could not be described: &2
  Where &1 represents the name of the file that could not be described, and &2 provides additional information about the error.
  Causes
  
  File Not Found: The specified file does not exist in the expected directory.
  Access Permissions: The user or the SAP system does not have the necessary permissions to access the file.
  File System Issues: There may be issues with the underlying file system, such as corruption or unavailability.
  Incorrect Path: The path to the file may be incorrectly specified in the configuration or program.
  File Locking: The file may be locked by another process, preventing access.
  
  Solutions
  
  Verify File Existence: Check if the file specified in the error message actually exists in the expected location.
  Check Permissions: Ensure that the SAP system and the user have the necessary permissions to access the file. This may involve checking file system permissions and user roles.
  Correct Path: Review the configuration or program code to ensure that the file path is correctly specified.
  File System Health: Check the health of the file system to ensure there are no issues that could prevent file access.
  Unlock File: If the file is locked, identify the process that is locking it and take appropriate action to unlock it.
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like AL11 to check the file system and SM37 to monitor background jobs that may be related to the file access.
  Logs: Review system logs (transaction SM21) for any additional error messages or warnings that could provide more context about the issue.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis team or SAP support for further assistance.