How To Fix /SAPDMC/LSMW803 - File '&' does not contain a valid header record

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPDMC/LSMW -

• Message number: 803

• Message text: File '&' does not contain a valid header record

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SAPDMC/LSMW803 - File '&' does not contain a valid header record ?

  The SAP error message /SAPDMC/LSMW803 File '&' does not contain a valid header record typically occurs when using the Legacy System Migration Workbench (LSMW) in SAP. This error indicates that the file being processed does not have a valid header record, which is essential for the LSMW process to function correctly.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect File Format: The file may not be in the expected format. LSMW expects a specific structure for the header record, and if the file does not conform to this structure, the error will occur.
  Missing Header Record: The header record might be missing entirely from the file.
  Corrupted File: The file could be corrupted or improperly generated, leading to an invalid header.
  Delimiter Issues: If the file uses a different delimiter than what is specified in the LSMW settings, it may not be able to read the header correctly.
  Encoding Issues: The file encoding might not be compatible with what LSMW expects (e.g., UTF-8 vs. ANSI).
  
  Solution:
  
  Check File Structure: Open the file in a text editor and verify that the header record is present and correctly formatted according to the specifications required by LSMW.
  Validate Header Record: Ensure that the header record contains all the necessary fields and that they are in the correct order.
  Correct Delimiters: Make sure that the delimiters used in the file match those specified in the LSMW configuration.
  File Encoding: Ensure that the file is saved with the correct encoding. If necessary, convert the file to the required encoding format.
  Re-generate the File: If the file is corrupted or improperly formatted, consider regenerating it from the source system or application.
  Test with Sample Data: Create a small sample file with a valid header record to test if the LSMW process works with that file. This can help isolate the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  LSMW Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for LSMW to understand the required file formats and structures.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to LSMW and file processing.
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider enabling debugging in LSMW to get more detailed error messages that can help identify the problem.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully process your file in LSMW.