How To Fix WSTI018 - The selected file cannot be processed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSTI - Messages about Store Workbench, Physical Inventory

• Message number: 018

• Message text: The selected file cannot be processed

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.

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

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSTI018 - The selected file cannot be processed ?

  Certainly! Here's detailed information about the SAP error message WSTI018: "The selected file cannot be processed":
  
  Error Message
  WSTI018 – The selected file cannot be processed
  
  Cause
  This error typically occurs in SAP when you try to process or upload a file (often in the context of IDoc processing, ALE, or data transfer tools like LSMW, or when using transaction codes related to file handling) and the system cannot process the selected file. The reasons can include:
  
  File format issues: The file format is incorrect or not supported.
  File encoding problems: The file encoding does not match the expected encoding (e.g., UTF-8 vs. ASCII).
  File corruption: The file is corrupted or incomplete.
  File path or access issues: The file is not accessible due to incorrect path, missing file, or authorization problems.
  File size limitations: The file size exceeds system or application limits.
  Incorrect file type: The file is not the expected type (e.g., trying to process a non-IDoc file in an IDoc processing transaction).
  File content errors: The content inside the file does not conform to the expected structure or data format.
  
  
  Solution
  To resolve the error WSTI018, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Verify the file path and name:
  
  Ensure the file exists at the specified location.
  Check for typos in the file name or path.
  Confirm that the SAP application server or frontend has access to the file location.
  
  
  
  Check file format and type:
  
  Confirm that the file format matches what the SAP process expects (e.g., flat file, XML, IDoc).
  If processing IDocs, ensure the file contains valid IDoc segments.
  
  
  
  Validate file encoding:
  
  Open the file in a text editor and check the encoding.
  Convert the file to the expected encoding if necessary (e.g., UTF-8).
  
  
  
  Check file content:
  
  Verify that the file content is complete and not corrupted.
  If applicable, validate the file against the expected schema or structure.
  
  
  
  Check file size:
  
  Ensure the file size is within acceptable limits.
  Split large files if necessary.
  
  
  
  Check authorizations:
  
  Ensure the user or process has the necessary authorizations to access and process the file.
  
  
  
  Use transaction or tool-specific checks:
  
  For IDoc processing, use transaction WE02 or WE19 to test IDoc processing.
  For ALE or EDI, check partner profiles and port configurations.
  For LSMW or batch input, verify the file upload steps.
  
  
  
  Check SAP notes and documentation:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WSTI018 for specific patches or known issues.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transactions related to file processing:
  
  WE02 / WE05 – IDoc display and monitoring.
  WE19 – IDoc test tool.
  SM58 – Check for background job errors.
  CG3Z / CG3Y – Upload/download files to/from application server.
  LSMW – Legacy System Migration Workbench for data upload.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes mentioning WSTI018.
  Sometimes the error is linked to specific application components (e.g., ALE, EDI, or data migration).
  
  
  
  Common scenarios:
  
  Uploading IDoc files manually.
  Processing inbound files for ALE or EDI.
  Data migration or batch input file uploads.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context (transaction, process, or scenario) where the error occurs, I can help with more tailored troubleshooting steps.