How To Fix GW038 - Trace activated for external programs

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GW - Message Texts for Gateway

• Message number: 038

• Message text: Trace activated for external programs

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 GW038 - Trace activated for external programs ?

  The SAP error message GW038, which states "Trace activated for external programs," typically indicates that the Gateway trace is enabled for external programs that are interacting with the SAP system. This can happen when there is a need to troubleshoot or analyze the performance of external applications that communicate with SAP via the Gateway.
  Cause:
  
  Trace Activation: The Gateway trace is activated for external programs, which can lead to performance issues or excessive logging if not managed properly.
  Debugging: The trace may have been activated intentionally for debugging purposes, but it can remain active longer than necessary.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP Gateway or external applications can lead to this message.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Deactivate the Trace:
  
  You can deactivate the Gateway trace by using transaction code SMGW.
  In the Gateway Monitor, navigate to the "Trace" menu and select "Deactivate Trace" or "Stop Trace" to turn off the tracing for external programs.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Review the configuration settings for the SAP Gateway and the external applications to ensure that tracing is only enabled when necessary.
  Ensure that the trace settings are appropriate for your environment and that they are not left on by default.
  
  
  
  Monitor Performance:
  
  After deactivating the trace, monitor the performance of the SAP system and the external applications to ensure that there are no lingering issues.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to Gateway tracing for more detailed instructions and best practices.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SMGW: Gateway Monitor, where you can manage traces and monitor connections.
  ST01: System Trace, which can also be used to analyze issues related to external programs.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional insights or updates regarding the GW038 message.
  
  
  Performance Impact: Be aware that leaving traces activated can lead to performance degradation, as it generates additional log data that the system must process.
  
  
  Best Practices: It is generally recommended to enable tracing only when necessary and to disable it promptly after troubleshooting to maintain optimal system performance.
  
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.