How To Fix S1651 - Order by columns: Overflow Rows/Freespace Problems/Empty Pages

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: S1 - Statistik / SAP-Monitor

• Message number: 651

• Message text: Order by columns: Overflow Rows/Freespace Problems/Empty Pages

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 S1651 - Order by columns: Overflow Rows/Freespace Problems/Empty Pages ?

  The SAP error message S1651, which indicates "Order by columns: Overflow Rows/Freespace Problems/Empty Pages," typically arises in the context of database performance issues, particularly when dealing with database tables that have been poorly optimized or have reached their storage limits. Here’s a breakdown of the potential causes, solutions, and related information for this error:
  Causes:
  
  
  Overflow Rows: This occurs when the data in a row exceeds the maximum size that can be stored in a single row. This can happen if there are large text fields or if the row structure is not optimized.
  
  
  Freespace Problems: This indicates that there is insufficient free space in the database pages to accommodate new data or to reorganize existing data. This can lead to fragmentation and performance degradation.
  
  
  Empty Pages: This refers to pages in the database that are not being utilized effectively. If there are many empty pages, it can indicate that the data is not being stored efficiently, leading to wasted space.
  
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Database Optimization:
  
  Reorganize Tables: Use database tools to reorganize or defragment the tables. This can help reclaim space and improve performance.
  Update Statistics: Ensure that database statistics are up to date. This can help the database optimizer make better decisions regarding data retrieval.
  
  
  
  Adjust Table Structure:
  
  Review Data Types: Check if the data types used in the table are appropriate. For example, using VARCHAR instead of CHAR for variable-length strings can save space.
  Split Large Tables: If a table is too large, consider splitting it into smaller, more manageable tables.
  
  
  
  Increase Database Storage:
  
  If the database is reaching its storage limits, consider increasing the allocated storage or moving to a larger database instance.
  
  
  
  Monitor and Manage Free Space:
  
  Regularly monitor the free space in the database and take action to reclaim it when necessary. This can include deleting old or unnecessary data.
  
  
  
  Use Indexes Wisely:
  
  Ensure that indexes are being used effectively. While indexes can speed up data retrieval, they can also consume additional space and lead to fragmentation if not managed properly.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Database Administration: Regular maintenance tasks such as backups, re-indexing, and monitoring performance metrics can help prevent issues related to overflow rows and freespace problems.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific recommendations or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for known issues.
  Performance Tuning: Engage in performance tuning practices, including query optimization and proper indexing strategies, to enhance overall database performance.
  
  Conclusion:
  Addressing the S1651 error requires a combination of database management practices, structural adjustments, and ongoing monitoring. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can mitigate the impact of this error and improve the performance of your SAP system.