How To Fix VIRT194 - Guaranteed Memory

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VIRT - Virtualization Monitoring

• Message number: 194

• Message text: Guaranteed Memory

What causes this issue?

Physical Memory guaranteed for the use by this virtual system
(reserved).

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 VIRT194 - Guaranteed Memory ?

  The SAP error message VIRT194, which refers to "Guaranteed Memory," typically indicates that the SAP system is running low on virtual memory or that the memory allocation settings are not configured properly. This can lead to performance issues or even system crashes if not addressed.
  Cause:
  
  Insufficient Memory Allocation: The SAP instance may not have enough memory allocated to handle the current workload.
  Configuration Issues: The parameters related to memory management in the SAP system might not be set correctly.
  High Workload: An increase in the number of users or processes can lead to higher memory consumption.
  Memory Leaks: Certain applications or processes may not be releasing memory properly, leading to exhaustion of available memory.
  Operating System Limits: The underlying operating system may have limits on memory usage that are being hit.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Increase Memory Allocation:
  
  Review and increase the memory settings in the SAP profile parameters (e.g., abap/heap_area_dia, abap/heap_area_nondia, rdisp/PG_MAXFS, etc.).
  Ensure that the physical and virtual memory on the server is sufficient for the SAP workload.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Use transaction RZ10 to check and modify the instance profile parameters related to memory.
  Ensure that the parameters are set according to SAP's recommendations for your specific version and workload.
  
  
  
  Monitor Workload:
  
  Use transaction ST03N to analyze the workload and identify any spikes in memory usage.
  Consider load balancing or scaling out if the system is consistently under heavy load.
  
  
  
  Identify Memory Leaks:
  
  Use transaction ST02 to monitor memory usage and check for any abnormal patterns.
  Investigate specific transactions or programs that may be causing memory leaks.
  
  
  
  Operating System Configuration:
  
  Check the operating system settings to ensure that there are no limits on memory usage for the SAP instance.
  Adjust kernel parameters if necessary (e.g., on Linux, parameters like vm.overcommit_memory).
  
  
  
  Restart the Instance:
  
  In some cases, a restart of the SAP instance may temporarily alleviate memory issues, but this should not be a long-term solution.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for relevant SAP Notes that may provide specific guidance or patches related to memory management.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have faced similar issues.
  Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for best practices on memory management and configuration.
  
  Monitoring Tools:
  
  Transaction ST02: For monitoring memory usage.
  Transaction ST03N: For workload analysis.
  Transaction SM50/SM66: For monitoring active processes and their memory consumption.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can resolve the VIRT194 error and improve the overall performance of your SAP system.