How To Fix VIRT245 - 16MB Page Outs

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VIRT - Virtualization Monitoring

• Message number: 245

• Message text: 16MB Page Outs

What causes this issue?

The amount of 16MB page page-outs.

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 VIRT245 - 16MB Page Outs ?

  The SAP error message VIRT245, which indicates "16MB Page Outs," is related to memory management within the SAP system, specifically concerning the virtual memory allocation. This error typically occurs when the SAP system is experiencing memory pressure, leading to excessive paging or swapping of memory pages to disk. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Insufficient Memory Allocation: The SAP instance may not have enough memory allocated to handle the workload, leading to excessive paging.
  High Workload: A sudden increase in workload or concurrent users can lead to memory exhaustion.
  Memory Leaks: Inefficient coding or poorly optimized programs can lead to memory leaks, consuming more memory than necessary.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration of the SAP memory parameters (like abap/heap_area_total, abap/heap_area_dia, etc.) can lead to inadequate memory allocation.
  Operating System Limits: The underlying operating system may have limits on memory usage that are being hit.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Increase Memory Allocation:
  
  Review and increase the memory parameters in the SAP profile. Adjust parameters such as abap/heap_area_total, abap/heap_area_dia, and abap/heap_area_nondia to allocate more memory to the SAP instance.
  
  
  
  Optimize Workload:
  
  Analyze the workload and identify any long-running or resource-intensive transactions. Optimize these transactions or schedule them during off-peak hours.
  
  
  
  Monitor and Optimize Code:
  
  Use tools like the SAP Runtime Analysis (transaction SE30) or the ABAP Memory Inspector to identify and fix memory leaks in custom code.
  
  
  
  Check Operating System Settings:
  
  Ensure that the operating system is configured to allow sufficient memory for the SAP instance. This may involve adjusting kernel parameters or system limits.
  
  
  
  Review System Logs:
  
  Check the SAP system logs (transaction SM21) and the operating system logs for any additional errors or warnings that may provide more context about the memory issues.
  
  
  
  Consider Hardware Upgrade:
  
  If the system consistently runs out of memory, consider upgrading the hardware to provide more RAM.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to memory management and the VIRT245 error. SAP Notes often provide patches or configuration recommendations.
  SAP Memory Management: Familiarize yourself with SAP's memory management concepts, including the different memory areas (heap, roll, and paging) and how they are utilized.
  Performance Monitoring Tools: Utilize SAP's performance monitoring tools (like ST03N, ST04, and ST06) to analyze system performance and memory usage patterns.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can mitigate the occurrence of the VIRT245 error and improve the overall performance of your SAP system.