How To Fix PO661 - Error processing format (cover page). (l_rc = &4)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 661

• Message text: Error processing format (cover page). (l_rc = &4)

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 PO661 - Error processing format (cover page). (l_rc = &4) ?

  The SAP error message PO661, which indicates "Error processing format (cover page). (l_rc = &4)," typically occurs during the processing of a purchase order (PO) or related documents when there is an issue with the formatting of the output, particularly when generating a cover page for the document.
  Cause:
  The error can be caused by several factors, including:
  
  Incorrect Output Format: The output format specified for the document may not be correctly configured or may not exist.
  Missing or Incorrect Data: Required data for generating the cover page may be missing or incorrectly formatted.
  Issues with the Print Program: The print program or smart form associated with the output may have errors or may not be properly defined.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to execute the output format.
  System Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the SAP system related to output management.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the PO661 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Output Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code NACE to check the output type configuration for purchase orders.
  Ensure that the output type is correctly defined and that the associated smart form or print program is valid.
  
  
  
  Review Smart Forms or SAPscript:
  
  If you are using a smart form, check the smart form for errors. You can do this using transaction SMARTFORMS.
  If you are using SAPscript, check the associated layout set using transaction SE71.
  
  
  
  Check for Missing Data:
  
  Ensure that all required fields for the purchase order are filled out correctly. Missing or incorrect data can lead to formatting issues.
  
  
  
  Test Output:
  
  Use transaction ME9F to test the output for the purchase order. This can help identify if the issue is with a specific PO or a broader configuration issue.
  
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to execute the output type. You can check this in transaction SU53 after the error occurs.
  
  
  
  Review System Logs:
  
  Check the system logs for any additional error messages or information that may provide more context about the issue. You can use transaction SLG1 to view application logs.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address known issues related to this error message.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: NACE (Output Types), SMARTFORMS (Smart Forms), ME9F (Output for Purchase Orders), SE71 (SAPscript Layout Set), SU53 (Authorization Check), SLG1 (Application Log).
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to output management and smart forms for additional guidance on configuration and troubleshooting.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the PO661 error in your SAP system.