How To Fix M3802 - Counter overflow in table MSTA

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M3 - Material Master

• Message number: 802

• Message text: Counter overflow in table MSTA

What causes this issue?

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M3802 - Counter overflow in table MSTA ?

  The SAP error message M3802, which indicates a "Counter overflow in table MSTA," typically occurs in the context of inventory management and material master data. This error is related to the MSTA table, which stores status information for materials in inventory management.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by an overflow in the counter that tracks the number of movements or transactions for a particular material. This can happen if the number of movements exceeds the maximum value that can be stored in the counter field, which is often a limitation of the data type used in the database.
  Solution:
  To resolve the M3802 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Material Master Data: Review the material master data for the affected material. Ensure that there are no inconsistencies or issues with the data.
  
  
  Reset the Counter: If the counter has indeed overflowed, you may need to reset it. This typically requires technical intervention, and you may need to work with your SAP Basis or technical team to perform this action.
  
  
  Archive Old Data: If the material has a very high number of movements, consider archiving old data to reduce the load on the MSTA table. This can help prevent future overflows.
  
  
  Database Maintenance: Regular database maintenance can help prevent issues like counter overflows. Ensure that your database is optimized and that you are following best practices for data management.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or patches that may address this issue. SAP frequently releases updates that can resolve known issues.
  
  
  Consult SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance. They can provide guidance specific to your system configuration and version.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  MSTA Table: The MSTA table is part of the inventory management module in SAP and is used to track the status of materials.
  Data Types: Understanding the data types used in the MSTA table can help in diagnosing the overflow issue. The counter field may have a specific maximum value based on its data type (e.g., integer).
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM03 (Display Material), MM02 (Change Material), and others that may help you analyze material data.
  
  Preventive Measures:
  
  Regularly monitor the number of movements for materials, especially those with high transaction volumes.
  Implement data archiving strategies to manage historical data effectively.
  Ensure that your SAP system is up to date with the latest patches and updates from SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the M3802 error and prevent it from occurring in the future.