How To Fix SWF_FLEX_DEF049 - Expect opening tag '&1' in path '&2', but found '&3'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_FLEX_DEF -

• Message number: 049

• Message text: Expect opening tag '&1' in path '&2', but found '&3'

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 SWF_FLEX_DEF049 - Expect opening tag '&1' in path '&2', but found '&3' ?

  The SAP error message SWF_FLEX_DEF049 typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow or Business Process Management (BPM) when there is an issue with the XML structure of a workflow definition. This error indicates that the system expected to find a specific opening tag in the XML but instead found a different tag. 
  Cause:
  
  
  XML Structure Issue: The error suggests that there is a mismatch in the expected XML structure. This could be due to:
  
  A missing or incorrectly placed opening tag.
  An unexpected closing tag.
  A typo in the tag names.
  Corruption in the workflow definition XML.
  
  
  
  Version Mismatch: If the workflow definition was created or modified in a different version of SAP or with different tools, it might lead to compatibility issues.
  
  
  Manual Edits: If the XML was manually edited, there might be syntax errors or structural issues.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check XML Structure: Review the XML definition of the workflow. Ensure that all opening and closing tags match and are correctly nested. You can use an XML validator to help identify structural issues.
  
  
  Recreate the Workflow: If the XML is too corrupted or complex to fix, consider recreating the workflow definition from scratch using the SAP Workflow Builder.
  
  
  Use Standard Templates: If applicable, use standard workflow templates provided by SAP to avoid structural issues.
  
  
  Check for Updates: Ensure that your SAP system is up to date. Sometimes, bugs in earlier versions can lead to such errors, and applying patches or updates can resolve them.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific version you are using. There may be known issues or specific guidelines for your version.
  
  
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. Provide them with the error message details and any relevant logs or XML snippets.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues related to the error message SWF_FLEX_DEF049.
  Workflow Builder: Familiarize yourself with the SAP Workflow Builder tool, as it can help in creating and validating workflows without manual XML editing.
  XML Validation Tools: Use online XML validation tools or IDEs that support XML to check for structural issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the SWF_FLEX_DEF049 error in your SAP environment.