How To Fix WZ331 - Attachment interpreter cannot be started

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WZ - Workflow: Model objects

• Message number: 331

• Message text: Attachment interpreter cannot be started

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 WZ331 - Attachment interpreter cannot be started ?

  The SAP error message WZ331: Attachment interpreter cannot be started typically occurs when the SAP system tries to open or process an attachment using an external interpreter or viewer, but fails to launch or communicate with that interpreter.
  
  Cause
  
  Missing or incorrectly configured attachment interpreter: The external program or viewer configured in SAP to open the attachment is not installed, not accessible, or incorrectly specified.
  Authorization or system environment issues: The SAP user or the application server does not have the necessary permissions to start the external program.
  Incorrect MIME type or file association: The attachment's MIME type or file extension is not properly linked to an interpreter in SAP.
  Operating system or network restrictions: The OS or network policies prevent launching external applications from SAP.
  SAP GUI or frontend issues: Problems with the SAP GUI or frontend settings that handle attachments.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the attachment interpreter configuration:
  
  Use transaction OAC0 (SAP Office: Define Attachment Interpreters) to verify the interpreter assigned to the file type or MIME type.
  Ensure the interpreter program path and parameters are correct and the program is installed on the application server or frontend machine as required.
  
  
  
  Verify file type and MIME type settings:
  
  Use transaction OACT to check file types.
  Use transaction SO10 or SO23 to check MIME types and their assignment to interpreters.
  
  
  
  Check authorizations:
  
  Ensure the SAP user has the necessary authorizations to execute the interpreter.
  Check OS-level permissions for the SAP application server user to start external programs.
  
  
  
  Test the interpreter manually:
  
  Try to start the interpreter program outside SAP to confirm it works correctly.
  
  
  
  Check SAP GUI and frontend settings:
  
  Ensure the SAP GUI is updated and properly configured to handle attachments.
  Check if the frontend application (e.g., Adobe Reader for PDFs) is installed and working.
  
  
  
  Review system logs and traces:
  
  Check the SAP system logs (SM21), developer traces (ST11), and application logs for more detailed error information.
  
  
  
  Apply SAP Notes:
  
  Search the SAP Support Portal for notes related to WZ331 or attachment interpreter issues for your SAP version.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction OAC0: Configure attachment interpreters.
  Transaction SO10 / SO23: Manage MIME types.
  SAP Note examples:  
  
  SAP Note 0000000 (example placeholder) — check for specific notes related to WZ331.
  
  
  SAP Help Portal: Documentation on SAPoffice and attachment handling.
  SAP GUI: Ensure latest patches and versions are installed.
  
  
  If the problem persists after these checks, consider raising a support ticket with SAP, providing detailed logs and system information.