How To Fix VIRT416 - Memory Consumed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VIRT - Virtualization Monitoring

• Message number: 416

• Message text: Memory Consumed

What causes this issue?

This is the estimated amount of physical host memory currently consumed
by this virtual machine (without memory overhead used by hypervisor to
manage VM).

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 VIRT416 - Memory Consumed ?

  The SAP error message VIRT416 indicates that the system has consumed a significant amount of virtual memory, which can lead to performance issues or even system crashes if not addressed. This error typically arises in environments where SAP applications are running on servers with limited memory resources or when there are memory leaks in the application.
  Causes of VIRT416 Error
  
  High Memory Usage: The application or processes running on the SAP system are consuming more memory than what is available.
  Memory Leaks: Certain transactions or programs may not be releasing memory properly, leading to gradual memory consumption over time.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration of the SAP system parameters related to memory allocation can lead to inefficient memory usage.
  Insufficient Hardware Resources: The server may not have enough physical memory (RAM) to handle the workload.
  Background Jobs: Long-running or poorly optimized background jobs can consume excessive memory.
  
  Solutions to VIRT416 Error
  
  Monitor Memory Usage: Use transaction codes like SM04, ST02, and SM50 to monitor memory consumption and identify which processes are using the most memory.
  Optimize Programs: Review and optimize custom ABAP programs or transactions that may be causing memory leaks or excessive memory usage.
  Increase Memory Allocation: If possible, increase the physical memory on the server or adjust the SAP memory parameters (e.g., abap/heap_area_dia, abap/heap_area_nondia, etc.) in the instance profile.
  Restart the Instance: In some cases, restarting the SAP instance can temporarily alleviate memory issues, but this is not a long-term solution.
  Review Background Jobs: Check for any long-running background jobs that may be consuming excessive memory and optimize or terminate them if necessary.
  Patch and Update: Ensure that your SAP system is up to date with the latest patches and updates, as these may contain fixes for known memory issues.
  Consult SAP Notes: Look for relevant SAP Notes that may provide specific guidance or fixes related to the VIRT416 error.
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Memory Management: Understanding how SAP manages memory can help in configuring the system appropriately. Familiarize yourself with the different memory areas (e.g., heap memory, roll memory).
  Performance Tuning: Regular performance tuning and monitoring can help prevent memory-related issues from arising.
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance, especially if you suspect a bug or require deeper analysis.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can mitigate the VIRT416 error and improve the overall performance of your SAP system.