How To Fix >U168 - Error in file: Type &3 must not follow data record type &2 (line &1)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: >U -

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Error in file: Type &3 must not follow data record type &2 (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 >U168 - Error in file: Type &3 must not follow data record type &2 (line &1) ?

  The SAP error message U168 indicates that there is an issue with the structure of a data file being processed. Specifically, the error message states that a certain data record type (denoted as &3) is not allowed to follow another data record type (denoted as &2) at a specific line number (denoted as &1). This typically occurs during data uploads or processing of files in SAP, such as during the use of the Data Transfer Workbench (DTW) or when importing data through other means.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect File Structure: The file being processed does not adhere to the expected structure or sequence of record types. Each record type has specific rules about what can follow it.
  Data Formatting Issues: There may be formatting issues in the data file, such as missing delimiters, incorrect line endings, or unexpected characters.
  Configuration Errors: The configuration settings for the data import may not match the structure of the incoming data file.
  Version Mismatch: The version of the data file may not be compatible with the version of the SAP system or the specific module being used.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check File Structure: Review the data file to ensure that the record types are in the correct order as per the SAP documentation. Make sure that the sequence of record types follows the expected format.
  Validate Data: Use a text editor or a data validation tool to check for any formatting issues, such as missing fields or incorrect delimiters.
  Refer to Documentation: Consult the relevant SAP documentation for the specific data import process you are using. This will provide insights into the expected structure and any constraints on record types.
  Adjust Configuration: If applicable, adjust the configuration settings in SAP to match the structure of the incoming data file.
  Test with Sample Data: If possible, create a small sample data file that adheres to the expected structure and test the import process with it to isolate the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the specific error message or the data import process you are using.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE38 (ABAP Editor) or SE11 (Data Dictionary) to analyze the data structures involved.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels for additional insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the U168 error and implement a solution to resolve it.