How To Fix PN861 - Fatal RFC error. Program terminated. &1 &4

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PN -

• Message number: 861

• Message text: Fatal RFC error. Program terminated. &1 &4

What causes this issue?

The RFC link could not be established.

System Response

The system could not establish a connection via the specified RFC link.

How to fix this error?

Please check the spelling of the RFC link, and make sure that it is
available in the system.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PN861 - Fatal RFC error. Program terminated. &1 &4 ?

  The SAP error message "PN861 Fatal RFC error. Program terminated. &1 &4" typically indicates a problem with Remote Function Call (RFC) communication between SAP systems or between an SAP system and an external system. This error can occur due to various reasons, including network issues, configuration problems, or issues with the RFC destination.
  Causes:
  
  Network Issues: Problems with the network connection between the SAP systems can lead to RFC errors.
  RFC Destination Configuration: Incorrect configuration of the RFC destination in transaction SM59 can cause communication failures.
  Authorization Issues: The user credentials used for the RFC connection may not have the necessary authorizations.
  System Availability: The target system may be down or not reachable.
  Resource Limitations: The SAP system may be running out of resources (e.g., memory, processes).
  Version Compatibility: Incompatibility between different SAP versions or components can lead to RFC errors.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Network Connectivity: Ensure that there is proper network connectivity between the systems involved. You can use tools like ping or traceroute to diagnose network issues.
  Verify RFC Destination:
  
  Go to transaction SM59 and check the configuration of the RFC destination.
  Test the connection using the "Connection Test" option in SM59.
  
  
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that the user credentials used for the RFC connection have the necessary authorizations to perform the required actions.
  System Status: Check if the target system is up and running. You can do this by logging into the target system or checking system logs.
  Review System Logs: Check the system logs (transaction SM21) and the developer trace files (transaction ST11) for any additional error messages that might provide more context.
  Monitor System Resources: Use transaction SM50 or SM66 to monitor system resources and ensure that the system is not overloaded.
  Check for Updates: Ensure that both systems are running compatible versions and that any necessary patches or updates have been applied.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM59: RFC Destinations
  SM21: System Log
  ST22: Dump Analysis
  ST11: Developer Traces
  SM50 / SM66: Process Overview
  
  
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address specific issues related to RFC errors.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for RFC configuration and troubleshooting.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis team or consult SAP support for further assistance.