How To Fix /PLMI/DIR_BO103 - Workstation application &1 is invalid; starting external application

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PLMI/DIR_BO -

• Message number: 103

• Message text: Workstation application &1 is invalid; starting external application

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /PLMI/DIR_BO103 - Workstation application &1 is invalid; starting external application ?

  The SAP error message /PLMI/DIR_BO103 Workstation application &1 is invalid; starting external application typically indicates that there is an issue with the configuration of the external application that SAP is trying to launch. This error can occur in various scenarios, such as when trying to open a document, a report, or any other external application from within SAP.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Application Path: The path to the external application is incorrect or the application is not installed on the workstation.
  Missing Application: The external application that SAP is trying to launch is not installed on the user's machine.
  Incorrect Configuration: The configuration settings in SAP for the external application may be incorrect or incomplete.
  User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to access the external application.
  Environment Variables: Required environment variables for the application may not be set correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Application Installation:
  
  Ensure that the external application (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Adobe Reader) is installed on the workstation.
  Verify that the application can be launched manually outside of SAP.
  
  
  
  Verify Application Path:
  
  Go to the SAP GUI and check the configuration for the external application.
  Navigate to Transaction code: SU01 (User Maintenance) and check the user parameters for the external application.
  Ensure that the path specified for the application is correct.
  
  
  
  Update Configuration:
  
  If the path is incorrect, update it to the correct path where the application is installed.
  You can also check the settings in Transaction code: RZ10 for profile parameters related to external applications.
  
  
  
  Check User Permissions:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary permissions to execute the external application.
  Check with your system administrator if there are any restrictions in place.
  
  
  
  Test Environment Variables:
  
  If the application requires specific environment variables, ensure they are set correctly in the operating system.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to the SAP documentation or help files for specific configuration settings related to the external application.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  System Administrator: If the issue persists, consult your SAP Basis or system administrator for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the /PLMI/DIR_BO103 error message in SAP.