How To Fix INV208 - Internal error while reading a data record from the archive

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: INV - Check for Bill Receipt

• Message number: 208

• Message text: Internal error while reading a data record from the archive

What causes this issue?

An error occurred while reading a data record from an archive file.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Check whether the archive information system is active for the
corresponding archiving object. If this is not the case, activate the
corresponding field catalog and generate the index tables.
Check whether you can access the archive file. If you have used an
external archiving system to store this file, check the corresponding
Customizing tables.
If you have checked both the aforementioned points, but the error still
exists, send a problem message containing the following information to
SAP:
The message text and message number
The name of the archiving object
The number of the archive file, for which this message appeared.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message INV208 - Internal error while reading a data record from the archive ?

  The SAP error message INV208, which states "Internal error while reading a data record from the archive," typically indicates an issue with accessing archived data in the SAP system. This error can arise due to various reasons, including:
  Causes:
  
  Corrupted Archive Files: The archive files may be corrupted or not properly written, leading to issues when the system attempts to read them.
  Incorrect Archive Configuration: The configuration settings for the archiving process may be incorrect, causing the system to fail when trying to access archived data.
  Database Issues: Problems with the underlying database, such as inconsistencies or corruption, can also lead to this error.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the archived data.
  Software Bugs: There may be bugs in the SAP software version being used that affect the archiving and retrieval process.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Archive Files: Verify the integrity of the archive files. You can use transaction codes like SARA to check the status of the archive and ensure that the files are not corrupted.
  Reconfigure Archiving Settings: Review the archiving configuration settings in the system to ensure they are set up correctly. This includes checking the archive object settings and ensuring that the correct paths are specified.
  Database Consistency Check: Perform a consistency check on the database to identify and resolve any underlying issues. This may involve using database tools or SAP's built-in tools.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that the user encountering the error has the necessary authorizations to access the archived data. This may involve checking roles and permissions in the user profile.
  SAP Notes and Support: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error. SAP frequently releases updates and patches that can resolve known issues.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance. They can provide more specific guidance based on the system's configuration and logs.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SARA (Archive Administration) and SARI (Archive Information System) for managing and troubleshooting archiving issues.
  SAP Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to archiving and data retrieval for best practices and troubleshooting steps.
  System Logs: Check system logs (transaction SM21) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the INV208 error in your SAP system.