How To Fix RSL_UI021 - The first data row &1 is larger than the number of rows in file &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSL_UI -

• Message number: 021

• Message text: The first data row &1 is larger than the number of rows in file &2

What causes this issue?

System Response

The system cannot analyze the &V1& (first data row) in the file since
the total number of rows in the file is smaller.

How to fix this error?

Change the first data row.
If you are sure that the first data row exists, use the <ZK>Display Data
</> function to check which rows have been taken over from the file.
Note: If you want to use the <ZK>Load Directly</> function to load the
data from the provider in the <ZH>My Workspace</> application, use the
<ZK>Reload (with Changes)</> function to be able to use the <ZK>Display
Data</> function.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

<ZH>Microsoft Excel File</>
In Microsoft Excel files, data should always begin in the first column.
If the data begins in a different column, only some of the expected data
might be taken over. In this case, change the Microsoft Excel file so
that the data begins in the first column and then reload the file.
Alternatively, after activating the <ZK>Transfer File</> function in the
dialog box, you can enter the lower-right cell of the Microsoft Excel
data sheet manually. You can then deselect unneeded columns in the <ZK>
Change Columns</> step.

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 RSL_UI021 - The first data row &1 is larger than the number of rows in file &2 ?

  The SAP error message RSL_UI021 indicates that there is a mismatch between the expected number of data rows and the actual number of rows present in the file being processed. Specifically, the error message states that the first data row specified (indicated by &1) is larger than the total number of rows in the file (indicated by &2). 
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Row Specification: The first data row number specified in the import or processing settings is greater than the total number of rows in the file. This can happen if the file is empty or if the specified starting row is incorrectly set.
  File Format Issues: The file may not be formatted correctly, leading to an incorrect count of rows. For example, if there are extra line breaks or if the file is not properly delimited.
  Data Extraction Errors: If the data was extracted from another system or source, there may have been an error during the extraction process that resulted in fewer rows than expected.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the File: Open the file in a text editor or spreadsheet application to verify the number of rows it contains. Ensure that the file is not empty and that it has the expected data.
  Verify Row Number Settings: Review the settings in the SAP transaction or program where you are importing the file. Make sure that the first data row number is set correctly and does not exceed the total number of rows in the file.
  Correct File Format: Ensure that the file is in the correct format (e.g., CSV, TXT) and that it adheres to the expected structure. Remove any unnecessary line breaks or formatting issues.
  Re-extract Data: If the file was generated from another system, consider re-extracting the data to ensure that it is complete and correctly formatted.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on file formats and import settings related to the transaction or program you are using.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context of the error, you may be using specific transaction codes (e.g., LSMW, BAPIs) that have their own guidelines for file imports.
  Community Forums: SAP Community and other forums can be helpful for finding similar issues faced by other users and their solutions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RSL_UI021 error and successfully process your data file in SAP.