How To Fix >U163 - Error in file: Type 1, 2, or 4 must follow data record type 5 (line &1)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: >U -

• Message number: 163

• Message text: Error in file: Type 1, 2, or 4 must follow data record type 5 (line &1)

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message >U163 - Error in file: Type 1, 2, or 4 must follow data record type 5 (line &1) ?

  The SAP error message U163 indicates an issue with the structure of a file being processed, specifically in the context of data records. This error typically arises when the file format does not adhere to the expected sequence of record types as defined by the SAP system.
  Cause:
  The error message "U163 Error in file: Type 1, 2, or 4 must follow data record type 5 (line &1)" suggests that the system encountered a record type that is not in the expected order. In this case, the system expects a record of type 1, 2, or 4 to follow a record of type 5, but it found something else instead. This can happen due to:
  
  Incorrect File Format: The file being processed does not conform to the expected structure or sequence of record types.
  Data Corruption: The file may have been corrupted or improperly generated, leading to missing or misplaced records.
  Manual Edits: If the file was manually edited, it might have introduced errors in the sequence of records.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check File Structure: Review the file to ensure that it follows the correct format and that the record types are in the expected order. The sequence should be:
  
  Record type 5 (header or control record)
  Followed by record types 1, 2, or 4 (data records)
  
  
  
  Validate Data: Use any available validation tools or scripts to check the integrity of the file. Ensure that all required records are present and correctly formatted.
  
  
  Re-generate the File: If the file was generated by an external system or process, consider regenerating it to ensure it adheres to the expected format.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or the specific module documentation related to the file processing to understand the expected record types and their order.
  
  
  Error Logging: Check the logs for any additional error messages that might provide more context about the issue.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal IT team for assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Record Types: Familiarize yourself with the different record types used in the file format you are working with. Each type has a specific purpose and expected sequence.
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes that might address similar issues or provide additional guidance on handling file processing errors.
  Testing: If possible, test with a smaller or simpler file to isolate the issue and confirm that the processing logic works as expected.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and correct the issue causing the U163 error in SAP.