How To Fix SL264 - terminated: file has incorrect format

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SL - System log

• Message number: 264

• Message text: terminated: file has incorrect format

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SL264 - terminated: file has incorrect format ?

  The SAP error message SL264, which states "terminated: file has incorrect format," typically occurs when there is an issue with the format of a file that is being processed by the SAP system. This error can arise in various contexts, such as during data uploads, file imports, or when processing external files.
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect File Format: The file being uploaded or processed does not match the expected format (e.g., CSV, TXT, XML).
  Corrupted File: The file may be corrupted or incomplete, leading to format issues.
  Encoding Issues: The file may be saved with an incorrect character encoding (e.g., UTF-8 vs. ANSI).
  Delimiter Issues: If the file uses a different delimiter than what SAP expects (e.g., using commas instead of semicolons).
  Header/Footer Issues: The file may have unexpected headers or footers that are not recognized by the SAP system.
  Field Lengths: The data in the file may exceed the expected field lengths defined in the SAP system.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Verify File Format: Ensure that the file is in the correct format as required by the SAP transaction or process you are using.
  Check File Encoding: Open the file in a text editor and check the encoding. Save it in the correct format if necessary.
  Review Delimiters: Make sure that the delimiters used in the file match what SAP expects. Adjust the file accordingly.
  Inspect File Content: Open the file and check for any unexpected characters, headers, or footers that may cause issues.
  Field Length Validation: Ensure that the data in the file adheres to the field length restrictions defined in the SAP system.
  Use SAP Tools: If available, use SAP tools or transaction codes (like LSMW, BAPIs, or IDocs) that can help validate the file before processing.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help files for the specific transaction or process to understand the expected file format.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the error message SL264.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that may help in troubleshooting file uploads (e.g., LSMW, BDC).
  Logs and Traces: Review application logs (transaction SLG1) or system logs for more detailed error messages that can provide additional context.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further assistance.