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How To Fix WD173 - XML file does not have correct format


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WD - Workflow definition

  • Message number: 173

  • Message text: XML file does not have correct format

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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.

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



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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WD173 - XML file does not have correct format ?

    The SAP error message WD173: XML file does not have correct format typically occurs in the context of Web Dynpro applications when the system tries to import or process an XML file that does not conform to the expected XML schema or structure.


    Cause

    • The XML file being processed is malformed or corrupted.
    • The XML file does not comply with the expected XML schema or DTD.
    • There might be syntax errors such as missing tags, incorrect nesting, or invalid characters.
    • The XML file might be empty or truncated.
    • The XML file encoding does not match the expected encoding (e.g., UTF-8 vs. UTF-16).
    • The XML file is generated by an external system or tool that does not produce the correct format expected by the SAP Web Dynpro component.

    Solution

    1. Validate the XML file:

      • Use an XML validator tool (e.g., XMLSpy, online XML validators) to check the XML file for well-formedness and schema compliance.
      • Correct any syntax errors or structural issues found.
    2. Check the XML schema:

      • Verify the XML file against the expected XML schema (XSD) or Document Type Definition (DTD) that the SAP Web Dynpro application expects.
      • Make sure the XML elements and attributes match the schema.
    3. Check encoding:

      • Ensure the XML file encoding matches what the SAP system expects.
      • If necessary, convert the XML file encoding to UTF-8.
    4. Regenerate the XML file:

      • If the XML file is generated by a program or external system, check the generation logic.
      • Regenerate the XML file ensuring it follows the correct format.
    5. SAP Notes and Patches:

      • Check for any SAP Notes related to message WD173 for your specific SAP version.
      • Sometimes, patches or support packages fix issues related to XML processing.
    6. Debugging in SAP:

      • If you have access to the Web Dynpro component source, debug the XML import or processing logic.
      • Check where the XML is read and parsed, and identify the exact cause of the format error.

    Related Information

    • Message Class: WD (Web Dynpro)
    • Context: Occurs during XML import, XML parsing, or XML-based configuration in Web Dynpro applications.
    • SAP Transaction Codes: May occur in Web Dynpro development tools (SE80, SE24), or during runtime of Web Dynpro applications.
    • Common Scenarios:
      • Importing XML configuration files.
      • Processing XML data from external systems.
      • Exporting/importing Web Dynpro component metadata.

    Summary

    Aspect Details
    Error WD173 XML file does not have correct format
    Cause Malformed XML, schema mismatch, encoding issues, corrupted or incomplete XML file
    Solution Validate and correct XML file, check encoding, verify schema, regenerate XML if needed
    Tools XML validators, SAP debugging tools, SAP Notes
    Context Web Dynpro XML import or processing

    If you provide the XML file or the context in which this error occurs, I can help you analyze the XML or suggest more specific fixes.

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