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How To Fix SL265 - terminated: file has too many format errors


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: SL - System log

  • Message number: 265

  • Message text: terminated: file has too many format errors

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  • 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.



    What else can you do?

    First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

    Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

    You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.


Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SL265 - terminated: file has too many format errors ?

    The SAP error message SL265, which states "terminated: file has too many format errors," typically occurs during the processing of a file, such as when importing or exporting data. This error indicates that the system has encountered multiple formatting issues within the file, which prevents it from being processed correctly.

    Causes:

    1. Incorrect File Format: The file may not be in the expected format (e.g., CSV, TXT) or may have been corrupted.
    2. Delimiter Issues: The delimiters used in the file (e.g., commas, tabs) may not match the expected delimiters configured in SAP.
    3. Data Type Mismatches: The data types in the file may not align with the expected data types in SAP (e.g., numeric fields containing text).
    4. Excessive Blank Lines or Spaces: The presence of too many blank lines or leading/trailing spaces can lead to format errors.
    5. Encoding Issues: The file may be saved in an unsupported encoding format (e.g., UTF-16 instead of UTF-8).
    6. Missing Required Fields: The file may be missing mandatory fields that are required for processing.

    Solutions:

    1. Check File Format: Ensure that the file is in the correct format as expected by SAP. If necessary, convert the file to the required format.
    2. Validate Delimiters: Verify that the delimiters used in the file match those expected by the SAP system. Adjust the file accordingly.
    3. Data Type Verification: Review the data in the file to ensure that it matches the expected data types for each field. Correct any mismatches.
    4. Remove Excessive Blank Lines: Clean up the file by removing any unnecessary blank lines or spaces.
    5. Check Encoding: Ensure that the file is saved in the correct encoding format (usually UTF-8). You can use text editors to change the encoding if needed.
    6. Ensure Required Fields are Present: Check that all mandatory fields are included in the file and populated with valid data.

    Related Information:

    • SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP's official documentation for specific guidelines on file formats and data import/export processes.
    • Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes (e.g., LSMW, BAPIs) that may be used for data uploads and their specific requirements.
    • Error Logs: Check the error logs in SAP for more detailed information about the specific format errors encountered.
    • Testing: After making corrections, test the file with a small dataset to ensure that the changes resolve the issue before processing larger files.

    If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it may be helpful to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP community forums for additional assistance.

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