How To Fix VIRT144 - Physical Memory Consumed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VIRT - Virtualization Monitoring

• Message number: 144

• Message text: Physical Memory Consumed

What causes this issue?

This is the total amount of physical memory used by the host.

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 VIRT144 - Physical Memory Consumed ?

  The SAP error message VIRT144, which indicates "Physical Memory Consumed," typically relates to issues with memory allocation in the SAP system. This error can occur when the SAP application server is consuming more physical memory than is available, leading to performance degradation or system instability.
  Causes:
  
  High Workload: An increase in user activity or background jobs can lead to higher memory consumption.
  Memory Leaks: Certain programs or transactions may have memory leaks, causing them to consume more memory over time.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration of the SAP system parameters related to memory management can lead to inefficient memory usage.
  Insufficient Hardware Resources: The physical server may not have enough RAM to handle the workload, especially if the system has grown over time.
  Background Processes: Long-running or poorly optimized background processes can consume excessive memory.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Monitor Memory Usage: Use transaction codes like ST06 (Operating System Monitor) and ST02 (Tune Summary) to monitor memory usage and identify bottlenecks.
  Optimize Programs: Review and optimize custom ABAP programs or transactions that may be consuming excessive memory.
  Adjust SAP Parameters: Review and adjust memory-related parameters in the SAP profile (e.g., abap/heap_area_total, abap/heap_area_dia, abap/heap_area_nondia) to better allocate memory based on your system's needs.
  Increase Physical Memory: If the server is consistently running out of memory, consider upgrading the physical RAM on the server.
  Limit Background Jobs: Schedule background jobs during off-peak hours or limit the number of concurrent jobs to reduce memory consumption.
  Regular Maintenance: Perform regular system maintenance, including clearing buffers and optimizing database performance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to memory management and performance tuning for specific guidance and updates.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights and solutions from other users who may have faced similar issues.
  System Monitoring Tools: Utilize SAP Solution Manager or other monitoring tools to keep track of system performance and memory usage trends over time.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can mitigate the impact of the VIRT144 error and improve the overall performance of your SAP system.