How To Fix J2253 - &4 First record must be a header

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: J2 - Message Class for Development Class JBT

• Message number: 253

• Message text: &4 First record must be a header

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message J2253 - &4 First record must be a header ?

  The SAP error message J2253, which states "First record must be a header," typically occurs during the processing of data files in SAP, particularly when dealing with file uploads or data imports. This error indicates that the system expects the first line of the input file to contain header information, but it does not find it in the expected format.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect File Format: The input file may not be formatted correctly. The first line should contain the header information that defines the structure of the data that follows.
  Missing Header: The file may be missing the header line entirely.
  Incorrect Delimiters: If the file is a delimited file (e.g., CSV), the delimiters may not be correctly specified or used.
  File Encoding Issues: The file may have encoding issues that prevent SAP from reading it correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check File Structure: Open the input file and ensure that the first line contains the correct header information. The header should match the expected format defined in the SAP system.
  Verify Delimiters: Ensure that the delimiters used in the file (e.g., commas, tabs) are consistent and match what SAP expects.
  File Encoding: Make sure the file is saved in a compatible encoding format (e.g., UTF-8) that SAP can read.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the specific SAP documentation or guidelines for the data import process you are using to ensure compliance with the expected file structure.
  Test with Sample Data: If possible, test the import with a sample file that is known to work to isolate the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to the specific transaction or data import process you are using.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with the relevant transaction codes (e.g., LSMW, BAPIs) that you are using for data import, as they may have specific requirements for file formats.
  Error Logs: Review any error logs or detailed messages provided by SAP during the import process for additional context on the error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the J2253 error in SAP.