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How To Fix VN203 - Error during reading & (Return code &)


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: VN - Nachrichtensteuerung

  • Message number: 203

  • Message text: Error during reading & (Return code &)

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  • Self-Explanatory Message

    Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

    To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

    Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.



    What else can you do?

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    Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VN203 - Error during reading & (Return code &) ?

    SAP Error Message:
    VN203 Error during reading & (Return code &)


    1. Cause of the Error

    The error message VN203 typically occurs during vendor master data processing or when the system tries to read vendor-related information. The placeholders & indicate that the message dynamically includes specific details such as the object being read and the return code from the underlying database or function module.

    Common causes include:

    • Database read failure: The system attempted to read vendor data from the database but encountered an error (e.g., missing data, inconsistent data, or database communication issues).
    • Authorization issues: The user or process does not have sufficient authorization to read the vendor master data.
    • Data inconsistency: The vendor master record might be incomplete, locked, or corrupted.
    • Incorrect parameters: The function or transaction was called with incorrect or incomplete parameters leading to a failed read.
    • System or interface issues: Problems in the interface or middleware that reads vendor data (e.g., ALE/IDoc processing errors).

    2. Solution / How to Resolve

    To resolve the VN203 error, follow these steps:

    1. Check the detailed message:
      Look at the full error message in the system log or short dump (ST22) to identify the exact object and return code causing the issue.

    2. Verify vendor master data:

      • Use transaction XK03 (Display Vendor) to check if the vendor master record exists and is consistent.
      • Check for any locks on the vendor master record (SM12).
    3. Check authorizations:
      Ensure the user or background job has the necessary authorizations to read vendor master data.

    4. Review parameters:
      If the error occurs during a custom program or interface, verify that the input parameters (vendor number, company code, purchasing organization, etc.) are correct and valid.

    5. Database consistency check:
      Run database consistency checks or use transaction SE14 to check and repair database tables related to vendor master data (e.g., LFA1, LFB1).

    6. Check system logs and dumps:
      Use SM21 and ST22 to find related system errors or dumps that provide more context.

    7. Debugging:
      If the error occurs in a custom program or standard SAP code, debugging can help identify the exact point of failure.

    8. SAP Notes and Support:
      Search for SAP Notes related to VN203 and the specific return code. SAP OSS Notes may provide patches or workarounds.


    3. Related Information

    • Transaction codes:

      • XK01 / XK02 / XK03 — Vendor Master Create / Change / Display
      • SM12 — Lock Entries
      • SM21 — System Log
      • ST22 — ABAP Runtime Errors
      • SE14 — Database Utility
    • Tables involved:

      • LFA1 — Vendor Master (General Section)
      • LFB1 — Vendor Master (Company Code)
      • LFM1 — Vendor Master (Purchasing Organization)
    • Common return codes:
      The return code in the message usually corresponds to a database or function module return code. For example:

      • 0 — Success
      • Non-zero — Error (e.g., 4 = not found, 8 = authorization error)
    • SAP Notes:
      Search SAP Support Portal with keywords like VN203, Error during reading vendor, and the specific return code for tailored solutions.


    Summary

    Aspect Details
    Cause Failure reading vendor master data due to missing data, authorization, or DB issues.
    Solution Verify vendor data, check authorizations, validate parameters, check logs/dumps, debug.
    Related Transactions: XK03, SM12, ST22; Tables: LFA1, LFB1; Check SAP Notes for specific fixes.

    If you provide the exact parameters or return code from the message, I can help you analyze the issue more precisely.

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