How To Fix /PF1/MSG_CONV643 - File format is incorrect.


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: /PF1/MSG_CONV -

  • Message number: 643

  • Message text: File format is incorrect.

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  • 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 /PF1/MSG_CONV643 - File format is incorrect. ?

    The SAP error message /PF1/MSG_CONV643 File format is incorrect typically indicates that there is an issue with the format of a file that is being processed by the SAP system. This error is often encountered when dealing with file uploads, data imports, or conversions where the expected file format does not match the actual format of the file being provided.

    Causes:

    1. Incorrect File Format: The file being uploaded may not be in the expected format (e.g., CSV, TXT, XML).
    2. Data Structure Mismatch: The structure of the data within the file may not align with what the SAP system expects (e.g., missing fields, incorrect delimiters).
    3. Encoding Issues: The file may be encoded in a format that is not supported by SAP (e.g., UTF-16 instead of UTF-8).
    4. Corrupted File: The file may be corrupted or incomplete, leading to parsing errors.
    5. Version Mismatch: The file may have been generated by a different version of the application or system that is not compatible with the current SAP version.

    Solutions:

    1. Verify File Format: Ensure that the file is in the correct format as specified by the SAP documentation or the specific transaction you are using.
    2. Check Data Structure: Review the contents of the file to ensure that all required fields are present and correctly formatted. Pay attention to delimiters and data types.
    3. Encoding Check: Make sure the file is saved with the correct encoding (usually UTF-8 for text files).
    4. Recreate the File: If the file is suspected to be corrupted, try recreating it from the source system or application.
    5. Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help files related to the specific transaction or process you are using to ensure compliance with the expected file format.
    6. Use SAP Tools: If available, use SAP tools or transaction codes designed for file uploads or data imports, as they often provide better error handling and validation.

    Related Information:

    • SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the error message. SAP Notes can provide specific guidance or updates that may resolve the issue.
    • Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that may assist in file uploads or data processing (e.g., AL11 for file directory, SM37 for job monitoring).
    • Logs and Traces: Review application logs or traces for more detailed error messages that can provide additional context about the failure.

    If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.

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