How To Fix PO384 - Protected connections only possible with access method 'S'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 384

• Message text: Protected connections only possible with access method 'S'

What causes this issue?

You attempted to choose an access method other than "S" for an output
device connected through a secure connection to the host spool.
However, secure connections must use access method "S".

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?

Choose access method "S".

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 PO384 - Protected connections only possible with access method 'S' ?

  The SAP error message PO384 indicates that a protected connection is only possible with access method 'S'. This typically occurs when there is an attempt to establish a connection to an SAP system using an access method that does not support secure connections.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following reasons:
  
  Incorrect Access Method: The access method being used is not set to 'S' (which stands for secure connections). This can happen if the configuration is set to use a different method (like 'D' for direct connection or 'T' for TCP/IP).
  Network Configuration Issues: There may be network settings or firewall rules that prevent the establishment of a secure connection.
  SAP System Configuration: The SAP system may not be configured to allow secure connections, or the necessary security protocols may not be enabled.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the PO384 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Access Method:
  
  Go to the transaction code SM59 (RFC Destinations).
  Locate the RFC destination that is causing the issue.
  Ensure that the access method is set to 'S' for secure connections.
  
  
  
  Modify RFC Destination:
  
  If the access method is not set to 'S', change it to 'S'.
  Save the changes and test the connection again.
  
  
  
  Network Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the network allows secure connections. Check firewall settings and ensure that the necessary ports for secure connections (like HTTPS) are open.
  
  
  
  SAP System Configuration:
  
  Verify that the SAP system is configured to support secure connections. This may involve checking the SSL settings and ensuring that the necessary certificates are installed and configured correctly.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes:
  
  Look for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or patches related to this error.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review the SAP documentation for your specific version to ensure that all security settings are correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Access Methods: In SAP, access methods define how the system connects to other systems or databases. The common access methods include:
  
  'S' - Secure connection (SSL)
  'D' - Direct connection
  'T' - TCP/IP connection
  
  
  SSL Configuration: If you are using SSL, ensure that the SSL configuration is correctly set up in the SAP system. This includes having the correct SSL certificates and ensuring that the SSL services are running.
  Testing Connections: After making changes, always test the connection in SM59 to ensure that the issue is resolved.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis team or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.