How To Fix VIRT056 - Free memory incl. FS cache

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VIRT - Virtualization Monitoring

• Message number: 056

• Message text: Free memory incl. FS cache

What causes this issue?

Free memory including filesystem cache

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VIRT056 - Free memory incl. FS cache ?

  The SAP error message VIRT056 indicates that the system is running low on free memory, including the file system (FS) cache. This can lead to performance issues or even system instability if not addressed. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause
  
  Insufficient Memory Allocation: The SAP system may not have enough memory allocated to handle the current workload.
  High Workload: An increase in user activity or background jobs can consume more memory than usual.
  Memory Leaks: Certain processes or applications may not be releasing memory properly, leading to gradual depletion of available memory.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings for memory management in the SAP system can lead to inefficient memory usage.
  File System Cache Usage: The operating system's file system cache may be consuming a significant portion of available memory.
  
  Solutions
  
  
  Increase Memory Allocation:
  
  Review and adjust the memory parameters in the SAP profile (e.g., abap/heap_area_total, abap/heap_area_dia, abap/heap_area_nondia).
  Consider increasing the physical memory on the server if possible.
  
  
  
  Monitor and Optimize Workload:
  
  Use transaction codes like ST03N (Workload Analysis) to analyze the workload and identify any processes that are consuming excessive memory.
  Optimize long-running or resource-intensive jobs.
  
  
  
  Check for Memory Leaks:
  
  Use transaction ST02 (Tune Summary) to monitor memory usage and identify any abnormal patterns.
  Investigate specific programs or transactions that may be causing memory leaks.
  
  
  
  Adjust File System Cache Settings:
  
  Review the operating system's file system cache settings. Depending on the OS, you may be able to adjust parameters to limit the amount of memory used for caching.
  
  
  
  Restart the SAP System:
  
  If the memory issue is temporary, a restart of the SAP system may help to clear up memory and restore normal operation.
  
  
  
  System Upgrade:
  
  If the system is consistently running low on memory, consider upgrading the hardware or moving to a more powerful server.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Monitoring Tools: Use SAP monitoring tools like SAP Solution Manager or transaction codes ST02, ST03N, and SM50 to monitor memory usage and performance.
  SAP Notes: Check for relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or patches related to memory management.
  Operating System Monitoring: Use OS-level monitoring tools to check overall memory usage and identify any non-SAP processes that may be consuming excessive memory.
  
  Conclusion
  Addressing the VIRT056 error requires a combination of monitoring, configuration adjustments, and possibly hardware upgrades. Regularly reviewing memory usage and system performance can help prevent this issue from occurring in the future.