How To Fix RSDS230 - Column separator not recognized. Specify the separator

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSDS - New DataSource

• Message number: 230

• Message text: Column separator not recognized. Specify the separator

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 RSDS230 - Column separator not recognized. Specify the separator ?

  The SAP error message RSDS230: Column separator not recognized. Specify the separator typically occurs when you are trying to load data into SAP BW (Business Warehouse) using a DataSource, and the system is unable to identify the column separator in the incoming data file. This can happen during the extraction process when the data format does not match the expected format.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Separator: The data file may be using a different column separator than what is configured in the DataSource settings. Common separators include commas (,), semicolons (;), tabs, or pipes (|).
  File Format Issues: The file may not be formatted correctly, or there may be inconsistencies in how the data is structured.
  Configuration Issues: The DataSource may not be properly configured to recognize the specified separator.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data File: Open the data file and verify the actual column separator being used. Ensure that it matches the expected separator.
  Update DataSource Settings:
  
  Go to the DataSource in SAP BW.
  Check the settings for the column separator. You can do this in the DataSource maintenance transaction (e.g., RSA1).
  Update the separator to match the one used in your data file.
  
  
  Test with Different Separators: If you are unsure of the separator, you can try different common separators to see if the error resolves.
  Validate File Encoding: Ensure that the file encoding is compatible with SAP BW. Sometimes, issues can arise from character encoding mismatches.
  Check for Extra Spaces: Ensure there are no extra spaces or unexpected characters in the data file that could interfere with the parsing of the separator.
  
  Related Information:
  
  DataSource Configuration: Familiarize yourself with the DataSource configuration in SAP BW, especially the settings related to file formats and separators.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for guidelines on data loading and DataSource configuration to ensure compliance with best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RSDS230 error and successfully load your data into SAP BW.