How To Fix VIRT422 - Memory Overhead

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VIRT - Virtualization Monitoring

• Message number: 422

• Message text: Memory Overhead

What causes this issue?

Host: This is the total amount of kernel overhead memory on the host.
Virtual System: This is the amount of 'overhead' memory associated with
this virtual system that is currently consumed on the host system.
Overhead memory is additional memory that is reserved for data
structures required by the virtualization layer.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

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 VIRT422 - Memory Overhead ?

  The SAP error message VIRT422 Memory Overhead typically indicates that the SAP system is experiencing memory allocation issues, specifically related to the virtual memory overhead. This can occur when the system is running out of available memory resources, which can lead to performance degradation or even system crashes.
  Causes:
  
  Insufficient Memory Allocation: The SAP instance may not have enough memory allocated to handle the current workload.
  High Workload: An increase in user activity or background jobs can lead to higher memory consumption.
  Memory Leaks: Certain processes or programs may not be releasing memory properly, leading to gradual memory exhaustion.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system or the underlying operating system can lead to inefficient memory usage.
  Database Issues: If the database is consuming excessive memory, it can impact the overall memory availability for the SAP application.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Increase Memory Allocation:
  
  Adjust the instance profile parameters to allocate more memory to the SAP application. Key parameters include abap/heap_area_dia, abap/heap_area_nondia, and rdisp/PG_MAXFS.
  Ensure that the operating system has enough physical memory available.
  
  
  
  Monitor and Optimize Workload:
  
  Use transaction codes like ST03N (Workload Analysis) and ST06 (Operating System Monitor) to analyze the workload and identify any bottlenecks.
  Optimize long-running or resource-intensive jobs.
  
  
  
  Check for Memory Leaks:
  
  Use transaction ST22 (Dump Analysis) to check for short dumps that may indicate memory leaks.
  Analyze the code for any custom developments that may not be releasing memory properly.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings:
  
  Ensure that the SAP kernel and database settings are optimized for your specific workload.
  Review the operating system settings related to memory management.
  
  
  
  Database Tuning:
  
  Optimize database queries and indexes to reduce memory consumption.
  Ensure that the database server has adequate resources and is properly configured.
  
  
  
  Upgrade Hardware:
  
  If the current hardware is insufficient for the workload, consider upgrading the server's RAM or moving to a more powerful server.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to memory management and performance tuning for specific recommendations and patches.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP's official documentation for guidelines on memory management and performance optimization.
  
  Monitoring Tools:
  
  SAP Solution Manager: Use it for monitoring and managing system performance.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like ST02 (Tune Summary), ST03 (Workload Analysis), and SM50 (Process Overview) for real-time monitoring.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can mitigate the VIRT422 Memory Overhead error and improve the overall performance of your SAP system.