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How To Fix W3_TOOL123 - External application has been started


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: W3_TOOL - ITS: Maintenance Messages

  • Message number: 123

  • Message text: External application has been started

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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?

    First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

    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.

    You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.


Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W3_TOOL123 - External application has been started ?

    SAP Message:
    W3_TOOL123: External application has been started


    Cause:

    This message is an informational message (warning/info class W3) indicating that SAP has successfully launched an external application or tool from within the SAP GUI or a transaction. It is not an error but a notification that the external program you requested to open (for example, a document, a report, or a tool like a spreadsheet or PDF viewer) has been started.

    This typically occurs when you use functions or transactions that call external programs via SAP GUI scripting, RFC calls, or OS commands, such as:

    • Opening a file with the default OS application.
    • Launching a third-party tool integrated with SAP.
    • Starting a local application from SAP (e.g., Excel, Word, Adobe Reader).

    Solution:

    Since this is an informational message, no corrective action is required. It confirms that the external application launch was successful.

    If you see this message and the external application did not start as expected, then consider the following troubleshooting steps:

    1. Check SAP GUI settings:

      • Ensure that the SAP GUI is configured to allow external program calls.
      • Verify that the SAP GUI scripting and external command execution are enabled if required.
    2. Check the external application:

      • Verify that the external application is installed and accessible on the client machine.
      • Check file associations in the operating system to ensure the correct program opens the file type.
    3. Check authorization:

      • Ensure the user has the necessary authorizations to execute external commands or access the files.
    4. Check network and path:

      • If the external application or file is on a network drive, ensure the path is accessible.
    5. Review SAP notes or logs:

      • If the message appears unexpectedly or repeatedly, check SAP Notes or system logs for related issues.

    Related Information:

    • Message Class: W3 (Informational/Warning messages related to external tools)
    • Transaction: Can appear in various transactions or custom programs that call external tools.
    • SAP GUI: The message is generated by the SAP GUI when it successfully launches an external application.
    • SAP Notes: No specific SAP Note is usually required for this message as it is informational.
    • User Impact: None, unless the external application fails to start despite the message.

    Summary:

    • W3_TOOL123 is an informational message indicating an external application has been successfully started from SAP.
    • No error or problem is indicated by this message.
    • If the external application does not open, check SAP GUI settings, user authorizations, file associations, and network paths.

    If you want, I can help you with specific troubleshooting steps based on your scenario or SAP system version.

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