How To Fix WFF_FORM_SERVER205 - CL_WFF_FORM_DATA: Missing reference to CL_WFF_META_FORM_DATA

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WFF_FORM_SERVER - Web Financials Forms: Form Server

• Message number: 205

• Message text: CL_WFF_FORM_DATA: Missing reference to CL_WFF_META_FORM_DATA

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WFF_FORM_SERVER205 - CL_WFF_FORM_DATA: Missing reference to CL_WFF_META_FORM_DATA ?

  The SAP error message:
  WFF_FORM_SERVER205 CL_WFF_FORM_DATA: Missing reference to CL_WFF_META_FORM_DATA
  typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow Forms (Web Dynpro or Adobe Forms integrated with SAP Business Workflow). It indicates that the workflow form runtime is unable to find or properly reference the metadata class CL_WFF_META_FORM_DATA, which is essential for processing the form data.
  
  Cause
  
  Missing or inconsistent metadata reference: The class CL_WFF_META_FORM_DATA is a metadata provider class used internally by the workflow form runtime to handle form data structures. If the workflow form runtime cannot find this class or its reference is missing in the form data object (CL_WFF_FORM_DATA), this error occurs.
  Transport or system inconsistencies: Sometimes, this error arises after transports or system copies where the workflow form metadata or related classes are not properly imported or activated.
  Version mismatch or missing SAP Notes: The error can also be caused by a mismatch between the workflow runtime and the form runtime components, or missing patches/notes that fix known bugs.
  Corrupted or incomplete form metadata: If the form metadata is corrupted or incomplete, the runtime cannot instantiate the required classes.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check system consistency:
  
  Verify that the class CL_WFF_META_FORM_DATA exists and is active in the system (use transaction SE24).
  If the class is inactive or missing, check for transport/import issues and re-import or activate the relevant SAP standard objects.
  
  
  
  Apply relevant SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WFF_FORM_SERVER205 or CL_WFF_META_FORM_DATA.
  For example, SAP Note 2345678 (example number) might address a known issue with workflow form metadata references.
  Apply the latest support packages or patches for SAP Business Workflow and SAP NetWeaver Forms.
  
  
  
  Re-generate or re-activate workflow forms:
  
  If you are using custom workflow forms, try to regenerate or re-activate the form metadata.
  For Adobe Forms, re-activate the form interface and form scenario.
  For Web Dynpro forms, ensure the form context and metadata are consistent.
  
  
  
  Check workflow and form integration:
  
  Verify that the workflow container and form interface parameters are correctly mapped.
  Ensure that the form interface is properly linked to the workflow task.
  
  
  
  Clear caches and restart services:
  
  Sometimes, clearing the SAP Gateway cache or restarting the SAP NetWeaver Application Server can help.
  Use transaction /IWFND/CACHE_CLEANUP for OData services if applicable.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If the problem persists, debug the workflow form runtime to check why the reference to CL_WFF_META_FORM_DATA is missing.
  Check the call stack and data objects in the runtime.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Workflow Forms: Workflow forms use metadata classes to handle form data dynamically. CL_WFF_META_FORM_DATA is a standard SAP class that provides metadata for form data structures.
  Transactions to check:
  
  SE24 (Class Builder) — to check class existence and activation.
  SWDD (Workflow Builder) — to check workflow definitions.
  SFP (Form Builder) — for Adobe Forms.
  
  
  SAP Notes and KBAs: Always check the SAP Support Portal for notes related to workflow forms and the specific error message.
  SAP Community: Similar issues and solutions are often discussed in SAP Community forums under workflow and forms tags.
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., which SAP module, form type, or scenario you are working on), I can help tailor the solution further.