How To Fix PF012 - Server list cannot be obtained by message server

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PF - System parametrization messages in Computing Ctr Mgmt System

• Message number: 012

• Message text: Server list cannot be obtained by message server

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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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 PF012 - Server list cannot be obtained by message server ?

  The SAP error message PF012, which states "Server list cannot be obtained by message server," typically indicates an issue with the connection to the SAP message server. This can occur in various scenarios, such as when trying to log into the SAP system or when attempting to connect to a specific instance.
  Causes:
  
  Network Issues: There may be network connectivity problems between the client and the message server.
  Message Server Down: The message server itself may be down or not running properly.
  Incorrect Configuration: The SAP GUI or the application server may be incorrectly configured, leading to an inability to connect to the message server.
  Firewall Restrictions: Firewalls or security settings may be blocking the necessary ports for communication with the message server.
  DNS Issues: Problems with DNS resolution can prevent the client from locating the message server.
  SAP Instance Not Registered: The SAP instance may not be properly registered with the message server.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Network Connectivity:
  
  Ensure that the client machine can reach the message server. You can use tools like ping or traceroute to verify connectivity.
  
  
  
  Verify Message Server Status:
  
  Check if the message server is running. You can do this by logging into the SAP system using a different method (like directly connecting to an application server) or checking the server status in the SAP Management Console (SAP MMC).
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings:
  
  Ensure that the SAP GUI or application server configuration is correct. Check the saplogon.ini file or the SAP GUI connection settings to ensure the message server's address and port are correctly specified.
  
  
  
  Check Firewall Settings:
  
  Verify that the necessary ports (usually port 3600 for the message server) are open and not blocked by a firewall.
  
  
  
  DNS Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the DNS settings are correct and that the hostname of the message server can be resolved. You can try using the IP address of the message server instead of the hostname to see if that resolves the issue.
  
  
  
  SAP Instance Registration:
  
  Check if the SAP instance is properly registered with the message server. This can be done by checking the instance profile and ensuring that the instance is listed in the message server's configuration.
  
  
  
  Review SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for more details on configuring the message server and troubleshooting connectivity issues.
  SAP Community: The SAP Community forums can be a valuable resource for finding solutions to similar issues faced by other users.
  System Logs: Check the system logs (transaction SM21) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis team or SAP support for further investigation.