How To Fix TD438 - Page format & is not known to the ABAP device driver

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: TD - SAPscript: Text editor, composer, forms, styles and fonts

• Message number: 438

• Message text: Page format & is not known to the ABAP device driver

What causes this issue?

The page format specified is not known.

System Response

Printing was terminated.

How to fix this error?

Please check whether the page format specified in the form used to
print out your document is also maintained in table TSP0A. The page
format (page size and page orientation) can be specified in absolute
units of measurement (such as centimeters or inches) or in
lines/characters.
The page format for line printers with continuous forms should always
be specified in lines/characters, as the form feed and horizontal
positioning is carried out with line feeds and blanks.
If lines/columns are used, the line and character number selected must
correspond to the CPI and LPI values used in the form's header data,
otherwise the printer driver cannot calculate the paper size correctly.
Example: The paper format used in the form is defined in table TSP08 as
132 characters and 72 lines, and LPI=6 and CPI=10 are specified in the
form as well. 72 lines exactly should therefore fit on the paper used
where the line feed is 6 lines per inch (6 LPI), and 132 characters (at
least) should fit into a printed line where the font for printing is 10
characters per inch (10 CPI).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message TD438 - Page format & is not known to the ABAP device driver ?

  The SAP error message TD438 indicates that the page format specified in the print request is not recognized by the ABAP device driver. This typically occurs when there is a mismatch between the page format defined in the SAP system and the formats supported by the printer or the device driver.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Page Format: The specified page format in the print request does not exist in the SAP system or is not defined correctly.
  Device Configuration: The printer or output device may not be configured to support the specified page format.
  Missing Device Type: The device type associated with the printer may not have the required page formats defined.
  Custom Page Formats: If custom page formats are used, they may not be properly defined or registered in the SAP system.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Page Format:
  
  Verify the page format specified in the print request. Ensure that it matches one of the formats defined in the SAP system.
  You can check the available page formats in transaction SPAD (Spool Administration) under the "Page Formats" section.
  
  
  
  Device Type Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction SPAD and check the device type associated with the printer.
  Ensure that the device type supports the required page formats. If not, you may need to modify the device type or create a new one that includes the necessary formats.
  
  
  
  Define Missing Page Formats:
  
  If the required page format is missing, you can define it in transaction SPAD. Navigate to the "Page Formats" section and create a new entry for the missing format.
  
  
  
  Check Printer Settings:
  
  Ensure that the physical printer is configured correctly and supports the page format being requested. This may involve checking the printer's settings or consulting the printer's documentation.
  
  
  
  Test Printing:
  
  After making changes, perform a test print to verify that the issue has been resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SPAD: Spool Administration - Used for managing printers and spool requests.
  SP01: Spool Request - Used to view and manage spool requests.
  
  
  
  Device Types: Device types in SAP define how data is formatted for printing. Each device type can support multiple page formats.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on configuring printers and device types.
  
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be necessary to consult with your SAP Basis team or SAP support for further assistance.