How To Fix W4249 - Archive: You have tried to open the same data file twice.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 249

• Message text: Archive: You have tried to open the same data file twice.

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4249 - Archive: You have tried to open the same data file twice. ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W4249 Archive: You have tried to open the same data file twice.
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when the SAP archiving process or a related program attempts to open the same archive data file more than once simultaneously. This typically happens if:
  
  The archiving session or program logic tries to access the same file multiple times without closing it properly.
  There is a programming or configuration error causing duplicate file handles or attempts to read the same file twice.
  The archive file is being processed concurrently by multiple sessions or jobs.
  The file path or name is incorrectly specified, causing the system to interpret multiple references as the same file.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this issue, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Archiving Program Logic:
  
  Review the custom or standard archiving program to ensure it opens each archive data file only once.
  Make sure that after processing a file, it is properly closed before any further access.
  
  
  
  Avoid Concurrent Access:
  
  Ensure that no other archiving jobs or processes are running simultaneously on the same archive files.
  Schedule archiving jobs to avoid overlap.
  
  
  
  Verify File Names and Paths:
  
  Confirm that the archive file names and paths are unique and correctly specified.
  Avoid symbolic links or aliases that might cause the system to interpret different references as the same file.
  
  
  
  Check for Program or System Bugs:
  
  If using standard SAP archiving objects, check SAP Notes or support for any known issues related to this message.
  Apply relevant patches or updates if available.
  
  
  
  Restart the Archiving Session:
  
  Sometimes, restarting the archiving session or the SAP system can clear file locks or stale handles.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Message Class: W4 (Archiving)
  Typical Context: Occurs during data archiving sessions (transaction SARA) or custom archiving programs.
  SAP Notes: Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to message W4249 or archiving file handling issues.
  Transaction: SARA (Archive Administration)
  Logs: Check the archiving logs and system logs (SM21) for additional details on file access conflicts.
  
  
  Summary:
  W4249 indicates an attempt to open the same archive data file twice, which is not allowed. The root cause is usually duplicate file access due to program logic or concurrent processing. The solution involves ensuring single access per file, proper file handling, and avoiding concurrent jobs on the same archive files.