How To Fix W4248 - Archive: file format incorrect

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 248

• Message text: Archive: file format incorrect

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4248 - Archive: file format incorrect ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W4248 Archive: file format incorrect
  
  Cause:
  This warning message typically occurs during the archive file processing in SAP when the system detects that the archive file format is not as expected or is corrupted. Possible reasons include:
  
  The archive file is incomplete or damaged.
  The file was not created properly or got corrupted during transfer.
  The file format does not match the expected SAP archive file format (e.g., wrong file extension or altered content).
  The archive file was compressed or encrypted in an unsupported way.
  The file was renamed incorrectly or mixed with non-archive files.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the W4248 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Verify the Archive File:
  
  Check the integrity of the archive file.
  Ensure the file size matches the expected size.
  Confirm the file was not truncated or corrupted during download or transfer.
  
  
  
  Check File Format and Naming:
  
  Ensure the file has the correct extension (usually .arc or as per your archiving setup).
  Do not rename or modify the archive file manually.
  
  
  
  Recreate the Archive File:
  
  If possible, regenerate the archive file from the source system.
  Use the SAP archiving transaction (e.g., SARA) to create the archive file again.
  
  
  
  Check Transport and Transfer Methods:
  
  If the file was transferred via FTP, SCP, or other methods, verify that the transfer mode was binary (not ASCII).
  Avoid any compression or encryption unless supported by SAP.
  
  
  
  Use SAP Tools to Check Archive File:
  
  Use transaction SARA ? Utilities ? Check Archive File to validate the archive file.
  Use report RSARCHD or other relevant reports to analyze the archive file.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to W4248 or archive file format issues.
  Sometimes patches or support packages address known issues.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction SARA: Main transaction for archiving administration.
  Archive File Format: SAP archive files have a specific internal structure; any deviation causes format errors.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Support Portal for notes related to W4248 or archive file format errors.
  Transfer Mode: Always use binary mode for file transfers to avoid corruption.
  Backup: Always keep a backup of original archive files before processing.
  
  
  Summary:
  W4248 Archive: file format incorrect indicates that the archive file is corrupted, incomplete, or not in the expected format. Verify the file integrity, ensure correct transfer methods, and recreate the archive file if necessary. Use SAP archiving tools and check SAP Notes for further guidance.