How To Fix WFF_FORM_SERVER402 - Internal error: CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML invalid (version missing)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 402

• Message text: Internal error: CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML invalid (version missing)

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WFF_FORM_SERVER402 - Internal error: CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML invalid (version missing) ?

  The SAP error message:
  WFF_FORM_SERVER402 Internal error: CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML invalid (version missing)
  typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow Forms (WFF) when the system tries to process or load a workflow form but encounters an issue with the XML data structure, specifically related to a missing version attribute or version information in the form data.
  
  Cause
  
  Missing or corrupted version information in the workflow form XML data: The class CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML is responsible for handling the XML data of workflow forms. If the XML data does not contain the required version attribute or if the version information is missing or invalid, the class cannot process the form correctly.
  This can happen due to:
  
  Incomplete or corrupted form data in the database.
  Incompatibility between the form version and the workflow runtime.
  Issues during transport or import of workflow forms.
  Custom modifications or manual changes to the form XML that removed or altered the version tag.
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the form XML data:
  
  Use transaction SWF_FORM or SWF_FORM_EDIT to open and inspect the workflow form.
  Verify if the XML data contains the <version> tag or equivalent version information.
  If the version tag is missing, try to restore or recreate the form.
  
  
  
  Re-import or re-activate the workflow form:
  
  If the form was transported from another system, re-import the transport or manually re-activate the form.
  Sometimes re-activation fixes inconsistencies in the form metadata.
  
  
  
  Regenerate the form XML:
  
  If you have a backup or a working version of the form, replace the corrupted XML with a valid one.
  Alternatively, recreate the form from scratch if possible.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes and Patches:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WFF_FORM_SERVER402 or CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML.
  Apply any relevant patches or support packages that fix known issues with workflow forms.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If you have development access, debug the class CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML to see where exactly the version is expected and why it is missing.
  This can help identify if the problem is with the data or the code.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWF_FORM - Workflow form maintenance.
  SWF_FORM_EDIT - Edit workflow forms.
  SWI1 - Workflow log (to check workflow errors).
  SWU3 - Workflow customizing (to check workflow configuration).
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes related to workflow form errors and CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML.
  Example note keywords: "WFF_FORM_SERVER402", "workflow form version missing", "CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML invalid".
  
  
  
  Classes and Objects:
  
  CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML is the ABAP class that handles XML serialization/deserialization of workflow form data.
  Understanding this class helps in debugging and fixing form XML issues.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Missing or invalid version information in workflow form XML data handled by CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML.
  
  
  Solution
  Check and correct form XML version tag, re-import or re-activate the form, apply SAP Notes.
  
  
  Related
  Transactions: SWF_FORM, SWF_FORM_EDIT; SAP Notes on workflow forms; Debug CL_WFF_FORM_DATA_XML.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact scenario or steps leading to this error, I can help with more targeted advice.