How To Fix LM438 - Archive file has incorrect format -> unable to delete data

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: LM - Treasury: Limit Management

• Message number: 438

• Message text: Archive file has incorrect format -> unable to delete data

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message LM438 - Archive file has incorrect format -> unable to delete data ?

  The SAP error message LM438, which states "Archive file has incorrect format -> unable to delete data," typically occurs when there is an issue with the archive file that is being used in the archiving process. This error can arise due to various reasons, including file corruption, incorrect file format, or issues with the archiving object.
  Causes:
  
  Corrupted Archive File: The archive file may be corrupted, which prevents SAP from reading it correctly.
  Incorrect File Format: The file may not be in the expected format, which can happen if the file was manually altered or if it was created by a different system or version.
  Incompatible Archiving Object: The archiving object associated with the data may not match the archive file, leading to format discrepancies.
  File Transfer Issues: If the archive file was transferred from one system to another, it may have been corrupted during the transfer process.
  Missing Metadata: The metadata associated with the archive file may be missing or incorrect, leading to issues when trying to access or delete the data.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Archive File Integrity: Verify the integrity of the archive file. If it is corrupted, you may need to restore it from a backup or recreate it.
  Validate File Format: Ensure that the archive file is in the correct format expected by SAP. You may need to regenerate the archive file if it is not.
  Review Archiving Object: Confirm that the archiving object used matches the archive file. If there is a mismatch, you may need to adjust the settings or use the correct archiving object.
  Recreate Archive File: If the archive file is found to be corrupted or in the wrong format, consider recreating it from the original data.
  Check System Logs: Review the system logs for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide patches or updates.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Archiving Process: Understand the archiving process in SAP, including how data is archived and the role of archive files.
  SAP Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SARA (Archive Administration) to manage archiving processes.
  Backup and Recovery: Ensure that you have a backup strategy in place for your archive files to prevent data loss in case of corruption.
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance, especially if you suspect a bug or require deeper technical analysis.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the LM438 error in SAP.