How To Fix PO663 - Error processing format (initialization). (l_rc = &4)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 663

• Message text: Error processing format (initialization). (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 PO663 - Error processing format (initialization). (l_rc = &4) ?

  The SAP error message PO663 ("Error processing format (initialization). (l_rc = &4)") typically occurs in the context of SAP's output processing, particularly when dealing with purchase orders (POs) or other documents that require output formatting. This error indicates that there was an issue during the initialization phase of the output format processing.
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect Output Format: The output format specified for the document may not be correctly defined or may not exist in the system.
  Missing or Incorrect Configuration: The output type may not be properly configured in the system, leading to issues during initialization.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the output format or related objects.
  Technical Issues: There may be underlying technical issues, such as problems with the print program or the Smart Forms/Adobe Forms used for output.
  Data Issues: The data being processed may be incomplete or incorrect, leading to failures during the initialization of the output format.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Output Type Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code NACE to check the configuration of the output type related to the purchase order.
  Ensure that the output type is correctly defined and that the associated form (Smart Form or SAPscript) is available.
  
  
  
  Verify Form and Program:
  
  Check if the form (Smart Form or SAPscript) associated with the output type is active and correctly configured.
  If using Smart Forms, you can check the form using transaction SMARTFORMS.
  
  
  
  Review User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to execute the output processing. This can be checked in transaction SU53 after the error occurs.
  
  
  
  Check for Technical Errors:
  
  Review the system logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages that may provide more context about the failure.
  If applicable, check the print program associated with the output type for any coding issues.
  
  
  
  Test with Different Data:
  
  Try processing a different purchase order or document to see if the issue is specific to certain data.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error message or provide patches or updates.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If you have access to development tools, you can debug the output processing to identify where the error occurs during initialization.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  NACE (Output Types Configuration)
  SMARTFORMS (Smart Forms)
  SLG1 (Application Log)
  SU53 (Authorization Check)
  
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to output processing and forms to understand the configuration and troubleshooting steps better.
  
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP Basis or technical team for further assistance, as they may have more tools and access to diagnose the problem effectively.