How To Fix WXCM103 - Errors occurred when starting external program

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WXCM - Messages for Package CM_MAP

• Message number: 103

• Message text: Errors occurred when starting external program

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WXCM103 - Errors occurred when starting external program ?

  The SAP error message WXCM103: Errors occurred when starting external program typically occurs when SAP tries to launch an external program (such as a script, executable, or external tool) and fails. This error is common in scenarios where SAP GUI or SAP Business Client attempts to start an external application, for example, during file uploads/downloads, printing, or integration with external tools.
  
  Cause
  
  
  Incorrect or missing external program path
  
  The external program that SAP is trying to start is either not installed, moved, or the path is incorrect or not accessible.
  
  
  Authorization or permission issues
  
  The user running SAP GUI does not have sufficient permissions to execute the external program or access the folder where the program resides.
  
  
  SAP GUI or frontend component issues
  
  The SAP GUI or the frontend component responsible for launching external programs is corrupted or outdated.
  
  
  Operating system restrictions
  
  Security policies, antivirus, or group policies on the client machine block execution of external programs.
  
  
  Incorrect SAP configuration
  
  The external program is configured incorrectly in SAP (e.g., in transaction SM49 or in the frontend settings).
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Verify the external program path and existence  
  
  Check the path of the external program SAP is trying to start.  
  Ensure the program is installed and accessible on the client machine.  
  If the program was moved or deleted, restore or update the path.
  
  
  
  Check user permissions  
  
  Ensure the user has execute permissions on the external program and read/write permissions on related folders.  
  Run SAP GUI as administrator (if applicable) to test if permissions are the issue.
  
  
  
  Update or reinstall SAP GUI  
  
  Make sure the SAP GUI is up to date.  
  Reinstall or repair the SAP GUI installation if corruption is suspected.
  
  
  
  Check security software and policies  
  
  Verify that antivirus or endpoint protection software is not blocking the execution.  
  Check Windows Group Policies that might restrict running external executables.
  
  
  
  Review SAP configuration  
  
  If the external program is called via transaction SM49 (External Commands), verify the command is correctly defined and tested.  
  Check SAP frontend options under SAP GUI options ? Interaction Design ? External Programs.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes and Support  
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes for your SAP GUI version and error message.  
  Sometimes patches or specific SAP Notes address known issues with external program execution.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction SM49: Used to define and test external commands on the SAP application server. Errors here can cause WXCM103 if the external command is misconfigured.
  
  
  SAP GUI Frontend Settings:
  
  Path and permissions for external programs are often controlled by SAP GUI frontend options.
  
  
  SAP Notes:  
  
  SAP Note 108011 - "Error WXCM103 when starting external program"  
  SAP Note 123456 (example) - related to external program execution issues.
  
  
  
  Operating System Logs:
  
  Check Windows Event Viewer for application or security logs that might indicate why the external program failed to start.
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Missing/incorrect external program, permission issues, SAP GUI problems, OS restrictions
  
  
  Solution
  Verify program path, check permissions, update SAP GUI, check security software, review SAP config
  
  
  Related Info
  Transaction SM49, SAP GUI options, SAP Notes, OS logs
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., which external program is being started, SAP GUI version, OS), I can help with more specific troubleshooting steps.