How To Fix OA165 - Request for outgoing documents does not contain a description file

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: OA - SAP ArchiveLink: Messages for SAP ArchiveLink

• Message number: 165

• Message text: Request for outgoing documents does not contain a description file

Self-Explanatory Message

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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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message OA165 - Request for outgoing documents does not contain a description file ?

  The SAP error message OA165, which states "Request for outgoing documents does not contain a description file," typically occurs in the context of document management or when dealing with outgoing documents in SAP. This error indicates that the system is unable to find a necessary description file associated with the outgoing document request.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Description File: The most common cause of this error is that the outgoing document request is missing a required description file. This file usually contains metadata or additional information about the document being processed.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be an issue with the configuration of the document management system or the output settings in SAP.
  File Path Issues: The system may not be able to locate the file due to incorrect file paths or permissions.
  Incomplete Document Request: The document request may not have been fully populated with all necessary information before being processed.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Document Request: Verify that the outgoing document request is complete and includes all necessary files, especially the description file. Ensure that the document is properly configured in the system.
  Review Output Settings: Check the output settings in SAP to ensure that they are correctly configured to generate and include the description file.
  File Path Verification: Ensure that the file paths specified in the configuration are correct and that the system has the necessary permissions to access those paths.
  Recreate the Document Request: If the document request is incomplete or corrupted, try recreating it from scratch to ensure all necessary components are included.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling outgoing document requests and the required files.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance, as they may have more specific insights based on your system configuration.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide patches or updates that could resolve the issue.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes related to document management and output processing, such as SOST (for sending output requests) or OAAD (for document management).
  User Permissions: Ensure that the user has the necessary permissions to access and manage outgoing documents and their associated files.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the OA165 error in SAP.