How To Fix W4236 - Incorrect access to archive (ARCHIVE_CLOSE_FILE)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 236

• Message text: Incorrect access to archive (ARCHIVE_CLOSE_FILE)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4236 - Incorrect access to archive (ARCHIVE_CLOSE_FILE) ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W4236 - Incorrect access to archive (ARCHIVE_CLOSE_FILE)
  
  Cause:
  This warning message typically occurs when there is an attempt to close an archive file that is either not open or has already been closed. In other words, the system is trying to perform an operation on an archive file handle that is invalid or no longer active.
  Common scenarios include:
  
  Program logic tries to close an archive file without opening it first.
  The archive file was already closed earlier in the process.
  Incorrect sequence of archive API calls.
  Archive file handle corruption or mishandling in custom code or user exits.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In SAP archiving, the function module or API ARCHIVE_CLOSE_FILE is used to close an archive file after writing or reading operations are completed. If this function is called without a valid open file handle, the system raises this warning.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the program logic:
  
  Ensure that the archive file is opened successfully before calling ARCHIVE_CLOSE_FILE.
  Verify that the file is not closed multiple times.
  Review the sequence of archive API calls in your custom code or standard program.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use the debugger to check the status of the archive file handle before the close call.
  Confirm that the file handle is valid and open.
  
  
  
  Review custom code or user exits:
  
  If you have custom archiving programs or user exits, check for improper handling of archive file operations.
  Correct the logic to maintain proper open/close sequence.
  
  
  
  Check for system notes or OSS messages:
  
  Sometimes SAP releases notes or patches related to archiving issues. Search SAP Support Portal for message W4236 or related archiving notes.
  
  
  
  General housekeeping:
  
  Ensure that the archive files are not corrupted.
  Check the file system permissions and availability of archive files.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Function Modules:  
  
  ARCHIVE_OPEN_FILE – Opens an archive file.  
  ARCHIVE_CLOSE_FILE – Closes an archive file.  
  ARCHIVE_WRITE_OBJECT – Writes objects to the archive file.
  
  
  
  SAP Archiving Concepts:  
  
  Proper handling of archive files is crucial to avoid data loss or inconsistencies.  
  Always follow the standard SAP archiving API sequence: open ? write ? close.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:  
  
  Check SAP Notes related to archiving errors and W4236 message for any known issues or patches.
  
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  SARA – Archive Administration  
  SAOBJ – Archive Object Maintenance
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  W4236 warning indicates an attempt to close an archive file that is not currently open. The solution is to verify and correct the program logic to ensure the archive file is opened before closing and not closed multiple times. Debugging and reviewing custom code or standard archiving processes will help resolve this issue.