How To Fix GL473 - You cannot use a PC export file in background processing

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GL - FI-SL Rollup

• Message number: 473

• Message text: You cannot use a PC export file in background processing

What causes this issue?

You attempted to read data from a PC file with background processing
or to write data to a PC file with background processing.

System Response

It is not possible to execute this front end function in background
processing.

How to fix this error?

Either enter a UNIX file or inform your system administrator.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GL473 - You cannot use a PC export file in background processing ?

  The SAP error message GL473, "You cannot use a PC export file in background processing," typically occurs when you attempt to use a PC export file (such as a file created on your local machine) in a background job. This is not allowed in SAP because background processing does not have access to the local file system of the user who submitted the job.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is the attempt to use a file that is stored on the local PC in a background job. Background jobs in SAP run on the application server, which does not have access to the local file system of the user.
  Solution:
  To resolve this issue, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Use Application Server Files: Instead of using a PC export file, ensure that the file you want to use is located on the application server. You can upload the file to the application server using transaction codes like CG3Z (Upload file to application server) or CG3Y (Download file from application server).
  
  
  Use Logical File Names: If you are using logical file names in your background job, make sure that the logical file is correctly mapped to a physical file on the application server.
  
  
  Check Job Configuration: Review the configuration of the background job to ensure that it is set up to reference files that are accessible to the application server.
  
  
  Use SAP GUI for Uploading: If you need to upload data from your local machine, consider using the SAP GUI to upload the data into the system first, and then reference that data in your background job.
  
  
  Modify the Job: If the job is already created, you may need to modify it to point to the correct file location on the application server.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like CG3Z and CG3Y for file uploads and downloads.
  Background Job Management: Use transaction SM37 to monitor and manage background jobs.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on file handling and background processing.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the GL473 error and successfully run your background job without issues.