How To Fix WS_TOOL138 - Internal error while creating the service definition

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS_TOOL - Message Class for Web Services and Virtual Endpoints

• Message number: 138

• Message text: Internal error while creating the service definition

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 WS_TOOL138 - Internal error while creating the service definition ?

  The SAP error message WS_TOOL138: Internal error while creating the service definition typically occurs during the creation or activation of a Web Service in the SAP system, particularly when working with SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture) tools or Web Service tools in transaction SOAMANAGER or related transactions.
  
  Cause
  
  Inconsistent or incomplete configuration in the Web Service runtime environment.
  Missing or incorrect entries in the Service Registry or Service Definition metadata.
  Issues with the Enterprise Services Repository (ESR) or the Service Repository where the service definitions are stored.
  Problems with the IWSG (Internet Web Service Gateway) or related components.
  Authorization or system inconsistencies that prevent the system from properly generating or storing the service definition.
  Sometimes caused by transport or system inconsistencies after system upgrades or patching.
  Corrupted or missing entries in the SICF (Internet Communication Framework) services related to the Web Service.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check SICF Services:
  
  Go to transaction SICF.
  Verify that the relevant Web Service nodes (e.g., /sap/bc/srt/wsdl) are active.
  If inactive, activate them.
  
  
  
  Check Authorization:
  
  Ensure the user has the necessary authorizations to create or modify Web Service definitions.
  Check roles related to SOA and Web Service administration.
  
  
  
  Recreate the Service Definition:
  
  Sometimes deleting the problematic service definition and recreating it can resolve the issue.
  Use transaction SE80 or SOAMANAGER to recreate the service.
  
  
  
  Check System Logs and Dumps:
  
  Use transaction ST22 to check for any short dumps related to the error.
  Use SM21 for system logs that might give more details.
  
  
  
  Check ESR and Service Repository:
  
  If the service is based on Enterprise Services, verify the service metadata in the ESR.
  Ensure the service is properly activated and transported.
  
  
  
  Apply SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WS_TOOL138.
  For example, SAP Note 1789273 or others might provide patches or corrections.
  
  
  
  Check IWSG Configuration:
  
  Verify the configuration of the Internet Web Service Gateway.
  Use transaction IWS_CONFIG to check and adjust settings.
  
  
  
  System Consistency Checks:
  
  Run consistency checks for Web Service runtime.
  Sometimes a system restart or cache clear (e.g., via /IWFND/MAINT_SERVICE for OData services) helps.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction SOAMANAGER: Main tool for managing Web Services in SAP.
  Transaction SICF: For activating/deactivating Internet services.
  Transaction SE80: Object Navigator, can be used to manage service definitions.
  Transaction ST22: For analyzing dumps.
  Transaction SM21: System log.
  Transaction IWS_CONFIG: For Web Service Gateway configuration.
  SAP Notes and Knowledge Base Articles related to Web Service errors.
  SAP Help Portal documentation on Web Service creation and SOA.
  
  
  If the problem persists after these steps, consider raising a support ticket with SAP, providing detailed logs, dumps, and system information.