How To Fix VIRT234 - Useable 16MB Pages

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VIRT - Virtualization Monitoring

• Message number: 234

• Message text: Useable 16MB Pages

What causes this issue?

The number of immediately available 16MB pages for applications.

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 VIRT234 - Useable 16MB Pages ?

  The SAP error message VIRT234, which indicates "Useable 16MB Pages," typically relates to memory allocation issues within the SAP system, particularly in environments where the SAP application server is running on a 64-bit operating system. This error can occur when the system is unable to allocate sufficient memory for the processes it needs to run.
  Cause:
  
  Memory Configuration: The SAP system may not be configured to utilize the available memory effectively. This can happen if the instance profile settings are not optimized for the amount of physical memory available on the server.
  Kernel Limitations: The SAP kernel may have limitations on the amount of memory it can allocate, which can lead to this error if the limits are reached.
  Operating System Settings: The operating system may have restrictions or configurations that limit the memory available to the SAP processes.
  Resource Contention: Other applications or processes running on the same server may be consuming memory resources, leading to insufficient memory for SAP.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Instance Profile Settings: Review and adjust the instance profile parameters related to memory allocation. Key parameters to check include:
  
  abap/heap_area_dia
  abap/heap_area_nondia
  abap/heap_area_total
  rdisp/PG_MAXFS
  rdisp/PG_MAXFS
  
  Ensure that these parameters are set according to the available physical memory on the server.
  
  
  Upgrade SAP Kernel: If you are running an older version of the SAP kernel, consider upgrading to a newer version that may have improved memory management capabilities.
  
  
  Operating System Configuration: Check the operating system settings to ensure that there are no limits on the memory allocation for the SAP processes. This may involve adjusting settings in the OS or increasing the swap space.
  
  
  Monitor Resource Usage: Use monitoring tools to check the memory usage of the SAP system and other applications running on the server. Identify any processes that may be consuming excessive memory and take appropriate action.
  
  
  Increase Physical Memory: If the server is consistently running low on memory, consider adding more physical RAM to the server to accommodate the needs of the SAP system.
  
  
  Review SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance on memory management.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for guidelines on memory management and configuration.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have implemented.
  Performance Monitoring Tools: Utilize SAP's performance monitoring tools (like ST02, ST03, and ST04) to analyze memory usage and performance metrics.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you should be able to resolve the VIRT234 error and improve the memory management of your SAP system.