How To Fix HH038 - Edit the Informix ONCONFIG file

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: HH - (Long) text for check tool 'infcfgcheck'

• Message number: 038

• Message text: Edit the Informix ONCONFIG file

What causes this issue?

You set ONCONFIG parameter 'LTAPEDEV' to '/dev/null'.
'LTAPEDEV' specifies the device (usually a tape drive), on which
the backup tool 'ontape' should save the logical logs. If you define
'ontape', your logical logs will be saved to '/dev/null' at the
time of their backup, that is they are NOT saved!
If you define the backup tool 'onarchive', 'LTAPEDEV' may not be set
to '/dev/null' as otherwise a backup will not be possible!

System Response

How to fix this error?

To configure 'LTAPEDEV' to a correct device, edit file
'$INFORMIXDIR/etc/$ONCONFIG' (as user 'informix').
CAUTION: The change will only become active after starting up the
database.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message HH038 - Edit the Informix ONCONFIG file ?

  The SAP error message HH038, which indicates "Edit the Informix ONCONFIG file," typically arises in environments where SAP applications are using Informix as the database management system. This error suggests that there is a configuration issue with the Informix ONCONFIG file, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the Informix database.
  Cause:
  The error can be caused by several factors, including:
  
  Missing or Incorrect Configuration Parameters: The ONCONFIG file may lack necessary parameters or have incorrect values that do not meet the requirements of the SAP application.
  Database Environment Issues: The database environment may not be set up correctly, leading to misconfigurations in the ONCONFIG file.
  Version Compatibility: There may be compatibility issues between the SAP application and the version of Informix being used.
  Resource Limitations: Insufficient resources (like memory or disk space) may lead to the need for adjustments in the ONCONFIG file.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the HH038 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Locate the ONCONFIG File: Find the ONCONFIG file, which is usually located in the Informix installation directory. The file is typically named ONCONFIG or may have a specific name defined during the installation.
  
  
  Review Configuration Parameters: Open the ONCONFIG file in a text editor and review the parameters. Ensure that the following parameters are correctly set:
  
  DBSPACENAME: Ensure that the database space names are correctly defined.
  DBSERVERNAME: Check that the server name matches the one used in your SAP configuration.
  LOGFILE: Ensure that the log file paths are valid and accessible.
  SHMBASE, SHMVIRTSIZE, and other memory-related parameters should be set according to the system's resources.
  
  
  
  Adjust Parameters: If you identify any missing or incorrect parameters, adjust them according to the SAP and Informix documentation. You may need to consult the SAP Basis guide for specific recommendations on ONCONFIG settings.
  
  
  Restart Informix: After making changes to the ONCONFIG file, restart the Informix database server to apply the changes.
  
  
  Check SAP Configuration: Ensure that the SAP system is correctly configured to connect to the Informix database. This includes checking the database connection settings in the SAP system.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the official SAP and Informix documentation for any specific configuration requirements or recommendations.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Informix Documentation: Review the Informix documentation for detailed information on the ONCONFIG file and its parameters.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or specific recommendations related to the HH038 error.
  System Logs: Review the Informix and SAP system logs for additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to SAP support or your database administrator for further assistance.