How To Fix SR125 - Source system cannot be set to Unicode

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SR - RFC utilities

• Message number: 125

• Message text: Source system cannot be set to Unicode

What causes this issue?

The source system is a non-Unicode system. You cannot make a Unicode
setting for this connection in transaction SM59.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

The source system can communicate with the target system only if it has
a non-Unicode setting.

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 SR125 - Source system cannot be set to Unicode ?

  The SAP error message SR125, which states "Source system cannot be set to Unicode," typically occurs when there is an attempt to configure a source system in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP HANA that is not compatible with Unicode settings. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Non-Unicode Source System: The source system you are trying to connect to is a non-Unicode system. SAP BW can only connect to Unicode systems if the source system is also Unicode-enabled.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be an incorrect configuration in the source system settings within the SAP BW system.
  Data Transfer Issues: If the data transfer method or the extraction method is not compatible with Unicode, this error may arise.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Source System Type:
  
  Verify if the source system is Unicode or non-Unicode. You can check this in the SAP GUI by going to the system status or using transaction code SE38 to run the report RS_SYSTEM_INFO.
  
  
  
  Convert Non-Unicode to Unicode:
  
  If the source system is non-Unicode and you need it to be Unicode, consider converting the source system to Unicode. This is a complex process and should be planned carefully, often involving the help of SAP support or consulting services.
  
  
  
  Adjust Source System Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the source system is correctly configured in the SAP BW system. You can do this by going to the Data Warehousing Workbench (transaction RSA1), navigating to the source systems, and checking the settings.
  
  
  
  Use Compatible Data Transfer Methods:
  
  If you are using specific data transfer methods (like SAP Data Services or other ETL tools), ensure that they are compatible with the source system's character set.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this issue. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They can provide guidance based on the specific details of your system configuration.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Unicode vs. Non-Unicode: Understanding the difference between Unicode and non-Unicode systems is crucial. Unicode supports a wide range of characters from different languages, while non-Unicode systems are limited to specific character sets.
  SAP BW Documentation: Review the official SAP BW documentation for guidelines on connecting to source systems and handling Unicode settings.
  System Upgrade: If you are using an older version of SAP, consider upgrading to a newer version that may have better support for Unicode and improved data handling capabilities.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the SR125 error in your SAP environment.