How To Fix WSUBST020 - Error while displaying log; RC = &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSUBST - Substitution Article Handling

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Error while displaying log; RC = &1

What causes this issue?

An error occurred while the system was displaying the application log.

System Response

The system displays a message for the following error codes:
<ZH>Error code 1</>
Error while converting the display profile
<ZH>Error code 2</>
An internal error occurred
<ZH>Error code 3</>
No data exists in the application log
<ZH>Error code 4</>
You are not authorized to display the application log

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSUBST020 - Error while displaying log; RC = &1 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WSUBST020 - Error while displaying log; RC = &1
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  
  The error WSUBST020 occurs when there is a problem displaying the log of a background job or a spool request.
  The RC = &1 is a return code (RC) that indicates the specific reason for the failure. The actual numeric value replaces &1 in the message.
  Common causes include:
  
  The log or spool request is missing or has been deleted.
  Authorization issues preventing the user from accessing the log.
  Inconsistencies or corruption in the spool or job log data.
  System or database issues affecting retrieval of the log.
  The log is too large or the system is under heavy load, causing timeout or memory issues.
  
  
  
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  When you try to display the job log via transaction SM37 or spool log via SP01, and the system cannot retrieve or display the log.
  When a background job has finished but the log is not accessible.
  When a spool request is deleted or the spool system is not functioning properly.
  
  
  How to Analyze the Return Code (RC):
  
  The return code RC is crucial to diagnose the exact problem.
  Common RC values and their meanings:
  
  1: Log not found or deleted.
  2: Authorization failure.
  3: System error or resource unavailable.
  Other values may indicate specific system or application errors.
  
  
  
  
  Solutions / Recommendations:
  
  
  Check the Return Code (RC):
  
  Identify the exact RC value and refer to SAP documentation or OSS notes for that specific code.
  
  
  Verify Log or Spool Request Existence:  
  
  Use transaction SM37 to check if the job log exists.
  Use transaction SP01 to check if the spool request exists.
  If the log or spool request is deleted, it cannot be displayed.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:  
  
  Ensure the user has the necessary authorizations to display job logs and spool requests.
  Relevant authorization objects include S_BTCH_JOB for job logs and S_SPO_DEV for spool access.
  
  
  
  Check System and Spool Status:  
  
  Verify that the spool system is running properly.
  Check for any spool system errors in transaction SPAD or system logs.
  Check for system resource issues (memory, disk space).
  
  
  
  Re-run the Job:  
  
  If the log is missing or corrupted, consider re-running the background job to generate a new log.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support:  
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WSUBST020 and the specific RC code.
  Example SAP Note: 108011 - "Error WSUBST020 when displaying job log" (check SAP ONE Support Launchpad).
  
  
  
  Technical Debugging:  
  
  If the problem persists, debugging the function module or program that reads the log may be necessary.
  Check system dumps (ST22) for related errors.
  
  
  
  
  Related Transactions and Tools:
  
  SM37 - Job Monitoring (to view job logs)
  SP01 - Spool Request Management
  SPAD - Spool Administration
  ST22 - ABAP Runtime Errors
  SU53 - Authorization Check
  SM21 - System Log
  
  
  Summary:
  
  WSUBST020 indicates a failure to display a job or spool log.
  The return code (RC) provides the key to the root cause.
  Common causes include missing logs, authorization issues, or system problems.
  Verify log existence, check authorizations, and system status.
  Consult SAP Notes and consider re-running the job if necessary.
  
  
  If you provide the exact return code (RC) value, I can help you with a more precise diagnosis and solution.