How To Fix ME502 - Not possible to open sequential file & (check file name)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 502

• Message text: Not possible to open sequential file & (check file name)

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME502 - Not possible to open sequential file & (check file name) ?

  The SAP error message ME502, which states "Not possible to open sequential file & (check file name)," typically occurs when the system is unable to access a specified file. This can happen for various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution. Here are some common causes, solutions, and related information for this error:
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect File Path or Name: The file path or name specified in the program or configuration may be incorrect or misspelled.
  File Permissions: The user or the SAP system may not have the necessary permissions to access the file.
  File Does Not Exist: The specified file may not exist in the expected location.
  File System Issues: There may be issues with the underlying file system, such as disk space problems or file system corruption.
  Network Issues: If the file is located on a network drive, there may be connectivity issues preventing access.
  SAP Configuration: The SAP system may not be configured correctly to access external files.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check File Path and Name: Verify that the file path and name are correct. Ensure there are no typos or incorrect characters.
  Verify File Existence: Check if the file actually exists in the specified location. If not, create or move the file to the correct location.
  Check Permissions: Ensure that the user or the SAP system has the necessary permissions to read/write to the file. You may need to adjust file permissions or ownership.
  Test File Access: Try accessing the file directly from the operating system to ensure it is accessible and not locked by another process.
  Check Network Connectivity: If the file is on a network drive, ensure that the network connection is stable and that the drive is accessible.
  Review SAP Configuration: Check the SAP configuration settings related to file handling. Ensure that the system is set up to access external files correctly.
  Consult SAP Notes: Look for any relevant SAP Notes or documentation that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may want to check transaction codes related to file handling, such as AL11 (Display File Directories) or SM37 (Job Monitoring) to see if there are any related background jobs that may have failed.
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance, especially if it is a production environment.
  Logs and Traces: Check the application logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages or details that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the ME502 error in SAP.