How To Fix PO686 - The operating system is reporting problems

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 686

• Message text: The operating system is reporting problems

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO686 - The operating system is reporting problems ?

  The SAP error message PO686, which states "The operating system is reporting problems," typically indicates that there are issues at the operating system level that are affecting the SAP system's ability to function properly. This error can arise from various underlying causes, and addressing it often requires a systematic approach.
  Possible Causes:
  
  Resource Limitations: The operating system may be running low on resources such as memory, CPU, or disk space.
  File System Issues: There may be problems with the file system, such as corruption or insufficient permissions.
  Network Issues: Network connectivity problems can also lead to this error, especially if the SAP system relies on external resources.
  Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration settings in the operating system or SAP can lead to operational issues.
  Hardware Failures: Physical hardware issues, such as failing disks or memory, can cause the operating system to report problems.
  Operating System Updates: Recent updates or patches to the operating system may have introduced compatibility issues.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check System Resources:
  
  Monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage to ensure that the system is not overloaded.
  Free up resources if necessary by terminating unnecessary processes or increasing system capacity.
  
  
  
  Review Logs:
  
  Check the operating system logs (e.g., /var/log/messages on Linux or Event Viewer on Windows) for any errors or warnings that could provide more context about the issue.
  
  
  
  File System Check:
  
  Run file system checks to identify and repair any corruption. For example, use fsck on Linux systems or chkdsk on Windows.
  
  
  
  Network Diagnostics:
  
  Verify network connectivity and ensure that all required services are reachable. Use tools like ping, traceroute, or telnet to diagnose network issues.
  
  
  
  Configuration Review:
  
  Review the SAP and operating system configuration settings to ensure they are correct and optimal for your environment.
  
  
  
  Hardware Diagnostics:
  
  Run hardware diagnostics to check for any failing components. Replace any faulty hardware as necessary.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes or patches that may address known issues related to this error.
  
  
  
  Restart Services:
  
  Sometimes, simply restarting the SAP services or the entire server can resolve transient issues.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support or your system administrator for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Always check for specific SAP Notes related to the error message PO686, as they may provide targeted solutions or workarounds.
  System Monitoring Tools: Utilize monitoring tools to keep an eye on system performance and resource usage to prevent future occurrences of this error.
  Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for best practices in system configuration and maintenance.
  
  By systematically addressing the potential causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you should be able to resolve the PO686 error and restore normal operation to your SAP system.