How To Fix PH066 - Special characteristics of archiving group could not be read

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PH - PA: Archiving & Reorganization

• Message number: 066

• Message text: Special characteristics of archiving group could not be read

What causes this issue?

An error occurred when the system read the <LS>Special Characteristics
for Archiving Group</> table (T51B2). The cause of the error cannot be
more precisely determined in the present situation.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Check that table T51B2 includes an entry for the archiving group.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PH066 - Special characteristics of archiving group could not be read ?

  The SAP error message PH066, which states "Special characteristics of archiving group could not be read," typically occurs in the context of data archiving processes within SAP. This error indicates that the system is unable to retrieve the special characteristics associated with a specific archiving group, which can hinder the archiving process.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Configuration: The archiving group may not be properly configured in the system, leading to the inability to read its special characteristics.
  Authorization Issues: The user executing the archiving process may not have the necessary authorizations to access the archiving group or its characteristics.
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies or corruption in the data related to the archiving group in the database.
  Transport Issues: If the archiving group was recently transported from another system, there may be missing dependencies or configuration settings.
  System Bugs: There could be bugs or issues in the specific version of SAP you are using that affect the archiving functionality.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Configuration: Verify that the archiving group is correctly configured in the system. You can do this by navigating to the relevant configuration settings in the SAP system (transaction code: SARA).
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the archiving group. You can check this using transaction code SU53 or by reviewing the user's roles and authorizations.
  Data Consistency Check: Perform a consistency check on the data related to the archiving group. This may involve running specific SAP reports or transactions to identify and resolve any inconsistencies.
  Recreate Archiving Group: If the archiving group is corrupted or misconfigured, consider recreating it. Make sure to back up any necessary data before doing this.
  Check for Notes and Patches: Look for SAP Notes or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently releases updates that address known issues.
  Consult SAP Support: If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance. They may provide specific guidance based on your system configuration and version.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SARA (Archive Administration), SARI (Archive Information System), and SE11 (Data Dictionary) for checking table structures.
  SAP Notes: Search the SAP Support Portal for notes related to PH066 or archiving issues. This can provide insights into known issues and fixes.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on data archiving to understand the requirements and processes involved.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the PH066 error in your SAP system.