How To Fix TG398 - This program can only be started in the background

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: TG - Messages for Upgrade Repository Switch

• Message number: 398

• Message text: This program can only be started in the background

What causes this issue?

You tried to start the program directly (online).

System Response

Starting the program failed.

How to fix this error?

As the program is expected to run for a long time, it can only be
scheduled for execution in the background. For this reason use the
startup program RDDFINFO (and function button F5) to start the object
analysis. The program also allows job flow control.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message TG398 - This program can only be started in the background ?

  The SAP error message TG398, which states "This program can only be started in the background," typically occurs when a user attempts to execute a program or report that is designed to run only in the background processing mode rather than in the foreground. This is common for long-running jobs or processes that require significant system resources.
  Cause:
  
  Program Design: The program or report is specifically designed to be executed in the background. This is often the case for batch jobs that process large amounts of data or perform complex calculations.
  User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to execute the program in the foreground.
  System Configuration: Certain configurations in the SAP system may restrict the execution of specific programs to background processing only.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Run in Background:
  
  To resolve this error, you should run the program in the background. You can do this by:
  
  Navigating to the transaction code (e.g., SE38 or SA38) where the program is executed.
  Entering the program name.
  Instead of executing it directly, choose the option to execute in the background (usually found under the "Program" menu or by using the "Execute in Background" button).
  
  
  
  
  
  Check Documentation: Review the documentation or help files associated with the program to understand its intended use and any specific parameters that may need to be set when running it in the background.
  
  
  User Permissions: Ensure that your user account has the necessary permissions to execute the program in the background. If not, contact your SAP administrator to adjust your permissions.
  
  
  Consult with SAP Basis Team: If you believe the program should be executable in the foreground or if you encounter issues running it in the background, consult with your SAP Basis team or technical support for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Background Jobs: In SAP, background jobs can be scheduled using transaction codes like SM36 (to create a job) and SM37 (to monitor jobs).
  Job Scheduling: You can set up job scheduling for regular execution of reports or programs that need to run without user intervention.
  Performance Considerations: Running resource-intensive programs in the background helps to free up system resources for other users and processes running in the foreground.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the TG398 error and successfully execute the program as intended.