How To Fix VIRT246 - 16GB Page Ins

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VIRT - Virtualization Monitoring

• Message number: 246

• Message text: 16GB Page Ins

What causes this issue?

The amount of 16GB page page-ins.

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 VIRT246 - 16GB Page Ins ?

  The SAP error message VIRT246, which indicates "16GB Page Ins," typically relates to memory management issues within the SAP system, particularly in the context of virtual memory and paging. This error can occur when the system is trying to access more memory than is physically available, leading to excessive paging and performance degradation.
  Cause:
  
  Insufficient Memory Allocation: The SAP application 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.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration of the SAP instance parameters, such as the abap/heap_area_total or abap/heap_area_dia, can lead to inefficient memory usage.
  Memory Leaks: Certain transactions or programs may have memory leaks, consuming more memory over time.
  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 allocation for the SAP instance. This can be done by adjusting the parameters in the SAP profile.
  Optimize Configuration: Check and optimize the SAP memory parameters. Ensure that the parameters are set according to the best practices for your specific workload.
  Monitor Workload: Use transaction codes like ST03N or ST06 to monitor the workload and identify any spikes or patterns that lead to high memory usage.
  Analyze and Optimize Code: Review custom ABAP code and transactions for potential memory leaks or inefficient memory usage.
  Upgrade Hardware: If the workload consistently exceeds the available memory, consider upgrading the server hardware to provide more RAM.
  Review Operating System Settings: Ensure that the operating system is configured to allow sufficient memory usage for the SAP instance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for relevant SAP Notes that may provide specific guidance or patches related to memory management and the VIRT246 error.
  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 to gain insights into memory usage patterns and identify potential bottlenecks.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can mitigate the occurrence of the VIRT246 error and improve the overall performance of your SAP system.