How To Fix ST389 - The RFC connection could not be created

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ST - Terminology Database

• Message number: 389

• Message text: The RFC connection could not be created

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 ST389 - The RFC connection could not be created ?

  The SAP error message ST389, which states "The RFC connection could not be created," typically indicates an issue with the Remote Function Call (RFC) connection setup in the SAP system. This error can arise due to various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for troubleshooting and resolving the issue.
  Causes of ST389 Error
  
  
  Incorrect RFC Destination Configuration: The RFC destination may not be configured correctly in transaction SM59. This could include incorrect connection parameters, such as the target system's hostname, system number, client, user credentials, or other settings.
  
  
  Network Issues: There may be network connectivity problems between the SAP systems. This could include firewall settings, DNS resolution issues, or network outages.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user credentials used for the RFC connection may not have the necessary authorizations to establish the connection.
  
  
  SAP Gateway Issues: The SAP Gateway service may not be running on the target system, or there may be issues with the gateway configuration.
  
  
  SAP System Down: The target SAP system may be down or not reachable due to maintenance or other issues.
  
  
  Version Compatibility: There may be compatibility issues between different SAP versions or components.
  
  
  Solutions to ST389 Error
  
  
  Check RFC Destination Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction SM59 and verify the settings of the RFC destination.
  Ensure that the connection type (e.g., T, 3, etc.) is appropriate for your use case.
  Check the target host, system number, client, and user credentials.
  
  
  
  Test the Connection:
  
  In SM59, use the "Connection Test" feature to check if the RFC connection can be established successfully.
  If the test fails, it will provide additional error messages that can help diagnose the issue.
  
  
  
  Check Network Connectivity:
  
  Ensure that the network connection between the SAP systems is stable and that there are no firewall rules blocking the connection.
  Use tools like ping or telnet to check connectivity to the target system.
  
  
  
  Review User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user specified in the RFC destination has the necessary authorizations to perform the required actions on the target system.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Gateway:
  
  Verify that the SAP Gateway service is running on the target system. You can check this in transaction SMGW.
  Look for any errors in the gateway logs that might indicate issues.
  
  
  
  Check System Status:
  
  Ensure that the target SAP system is up and running. You can check this by logging into the system or checking system status in the SAP Solution Manager.
  
  
  
  Review Logs:
  
  Check the system logs (transaction SM21) and the developer trace files (transaction ST22) for any related error messages that could provide more context.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address specific issues related to RFC connections.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM59: Manage RFC Destinations
  SMGW: SAP Gateway Monitor
  SM21: System Log
  ST22: Dump Analysis
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on configuring RFC connections and troubleshooting connectivity issues.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the ST389 error in your SAP system. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.