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SAP Basis – Generating a System Key from Solution Manager

Hey Everybody, I’m trying my hardest to simply change the instance number on my ERP 6.0 system (I’ll talk more about that in another post), but one of the things I tried was doing a system copy (unfortunately that also is causing me headaches), but it reminded me of another little tip.  How do you get the system key from solution manager.  Obviously, step one is to have solution manager, or access to someone else that does (a solution manager system key doesn’t need to be connected to your system.  You can call up any Basis friend, give them a little info and get a key that will work).

Now, on with the show:

After executing T-code SMSY in Solution Manager system, you need to do the following steps:

Create a system by right clicking on System entry and select Create new system.
Enter the System Name i.e., SID (3 chars)
Product = SAP ECC (select from the list)
Product Version= ECC 5.0 (select from the list)
Save the entries.
Select Menu Item “System—>Other Configuration” and enter the SID which you have created earlier.
Enter the Server Name(hostname)
Finally click on Generate “Installation/Upgrade Key Button ”

The system generates a system Key ,copy that system Key and paste it in the SAPINST screen when it prompts for Sol man Key.

That’s it.  Pretty easy, but still required…

Have a great new years eve, and remember as the new budget cycle opens up, if you need help with anything, or have use for one of our SAP Easy Button’s please let us know.

Thanks,

MIke

Basis – Changing the Instance Number of an Installed SAP system

I’m back in basis land yet again. What I discovered is that in order to connect to multiple systems existing on the same server, they must have a unique instance number. After all these years, I finally understand what the instance number does =) Since several of my SAP systems exist in the same server name, I had to make a change. I installed everything in 00, not know any better.
Well after some internet research, I discovered how to do this (at least for the ERP systems).
1. Go to the profiles directory. For me it was: C:\usr\sap\<SID>\sys\profile\
2. There are 3 files in this directory that you need to visit. (keep in mind, depending on the parameters, you may or may not have things to update).
a.<SID>_DVEBMGS<NR>_<Server name>
b. START_DVEBMGS<NR>_<server name>
c. DEFAULT.PFL
For the 3 files, replace every instance of DVEBMGS<old NR> with DVEBMGS<new NR>, sapgw with sapgw, and SAPSYSTEM = <Old NR> with <new NR>.
3. Next rename the directory DVEBMGS<old NR> with DVEBMGS<new NR>
4. open up the command prompt cmd.exe
5. Execute the following command: C:\usr\sap\<SID>\sys\exe\uc\ntamd64\sapstartsrv.exe -r -s <system> -n <NR> -p C:\usr\sap\<SID>\SYS\profile\START_DVEBMGS<NR>_<server> -U .\SAPService<SID> -P <password> -q
6. Execute: C:\usr\sap\<SID>\sys\exe\uc\ntamd64\ntenv2reg Select the new service.
7. Now restart the server, and you should be able to start the system with the new instance number.
8. Don’t forget to update your logon pad to the new instance for the system.

Now, I tried these same steps on my 4.7 system, and I couldn’t get it to work. I’ll try it again later, and if I get it working, I’ll let you know.
Good luck,
Mike

SAP Transports – reusing dev and config between non-connected systems

For small shops, like me, it’s a lot of infrastructure to to have a bunch of systems mapped to each other.  In addition, I have multiple active versions of SAP in order to allow me to test for different customers.  In that case, it’s even more complicated.  So, if you’ve read any of my earlier posts, you know that I use virtual-box to maintain my different systems.  Infrastructure – Setting up SAP on a budget  Now, that leaves me to either add all of my configuration over and over every time I create a new system.  I don’t like that idea 🙂  So I found out that you can grab two files and place them in a new system and import them, and magically you’re configuration has moved.   Here’s what you need to do to use SAP transports to handle this for you:

In the source system, as long as you properly configured STMS and do not use local objects, simple release the transport you want to move.  You will find the files you need in 2 directories:
C:\usr\sap\trans\cofiles

C:\usr\sap\trans\data

the files are the transport #.  So grab those 2 files.  I use dropbox to move these files from virtual systems.  But you can use any method you choose to get the files where you need them.
next is to put the files back into the same directories in the target system.

Now, go to STMS, drill into the main system (not the virtual system)
go to the Import Overview, and double click into the main system
Use the menu:  extras–>other requests–>add

now type in the transport name from the source system.  <SID>k<num>.

if everything is configured properly, if will import it just like any other transport.

Hope you find this useful,

Mike

Configuring Web Dynpro in SAP ERP

Well, since creating my new EHP4 system, I’ve had to do a lot of activities.  For me, the most important was getting Web Dynpro working.  I created this whole system with the intent of using it for webdynpro development.  Anyway, again, no straightforward documentation that talks about what needs to happen.  So, here’s my notes on configuring web dynpro in SAP.
First, you need to implement an OSS note:
After applying the note, go to transaction SICF and activate the following services.
/sap/public/myssocntl
/sap/bc/wdvd
/sap/public/bc/icons
/sap/public/bc/icons_rtl
/sap/public/bc/webicons
/sap/public/bc/webdynpro/*
/sap/public/bc/pictograms
/sap/bc/webdynpro
Now, you can use the layout designer for Web Dynpro.  It’s that easy.
Hope this helps,
Mike

Installing SAP ERP 6.0 EHP4

Well, if have one complaint as a non-basis person, it’s that I wish SAP would just tell me what files I need to install something.  For example, there were about 50GB worth of files that I copied off of DVD’s, just to find that I only needed about 1/2 of those.  OH well, I get my system running.  Now, if you care, here’s what you need for installing SAP ERP 6.0 EHP4 on a windows 64 bit operating system and Oracle database (I used 10.2.0.4).
Please note, the disks that I used may not be the most recent, however they work, and you can always upgrade your support packs/kernel later.

First thing you need is the installation master:
51038620 is the disk I used
51036902 – Installation Export
51036767 – UC Kernel (7.01)
51033272 – Oracle Client

Just a note on the oracle install, be sure that you use the sapserve.cmd to start the install, it does all the work for you.  One things aobut this, the cmd file will only work if all the directories have NO spaces in the names.  For example, oracle install won’t work, but oracle_install will.  Just a little lesson learned.

Also, during the install, if you get the step about DB statistics, or anything related to the DB and you get a 1034 error, try this trick.

open up a cmd prompt.
type in the following:
sqlplus /nolog
connect /as sysdba
startup

when this finishes, try the step again.  You may need to completely stop the installation, and restart the system, then do the sqlplus command.
Otherwise, it should go pretty smooth.  With my system, I was able to finish the installation in about 12hrs + 2 hrs for oracle + 3 hrs for copying files.  LOL

Anyway, hope you might find this helpful.  For my basis friends, feel free to laugh at me…  I know I stumble through this the hard way.
Mike

Configuring STMS – Transports you can collect

Anytime you create a new system for SAP development, you need to configure the transport management system (STSM).  I’ve struggled with this in the past, but after enough trial and error I finally figured out what needs to happen.  Please keep in mind, the system that I’ve configured is all about collecting the transport files so I can manually move them to other systems, I do NOT have a multiple system environment.  Configuring STMS isn’t bad, just make sure you hit all the steps.

Start at transaction STMS
Menu:  Overview–>System
Menu: System–>create–>virtual system

give your VS a name
green arrow back when you’re complete.

Menu: overview–>transport routes
Press Pencil to go into change mode
Drag the boxes of the actual system and virtual system into the big working window
Menu: edit–>transport layer–>create

Give your transport layer a name.
Menu: Edit–>transport route–>create

Enter in the Actual System, then the transport layer you just created, then the virtual system.

Finally save, and distribute the changes across all systems.  That’s all there is to configuring STMS.

Good luck

Applying SAP Support Packs

I have had my basis hat on a lot lately, so I might as well cover another piece of the basis puzzle.  For anyone like me, you don’t have a lot of time to figure out exactly how to upgrade the system, but you want the stability (at least usually) that comes with an updated system.  For me, I was trying to upgrade my system to a point that my BSP application would be supported on the Mozilla Firefox browser.  I’ll talk more about this at a later time (I’m still collecting details on that portion).  Needless to say, I read an OSS message that said, get to support 19, and I was at 12.  So today I thought I’d talk about applying SAP support packs.
Step 1. Figure out the components you’ll need to update, and what your current version is.  If you go to system->status, and look at the detailed levels, you’ll see things like BASIS, ABAP, etc…  based on the OSS message, you’ll what you need to update.  Find the component, and then find the SAP naming convention.  For example the BASIS stuff is KB700<XX>.  This is important because it’s an easy shortcut to download exactly what you need.
Step 2.  go to service.sap.com and head to the software area: and select the Search for Software Downloads.  Take the naming convention from above and one by one, find the pieces you need.  If you need a lot, it’s probably faster to go to the support section.  Me, was only doing 6 files.
Step 3.  Once everything is downloaded, log into SAP (your dev system/client) and go to transaction SPAM.  Select the import and one by one, import each of the files you downloaded.  Don’t apply the packs one by one…  it’s a long enough process, so do the whole group at once.
Step 4.  Once all the pieces have been imported, press the truck to start a new “installation”.  you’ll have the options to select the area you want to update, for example BASIS.  It will show you all the new imports and will lump them into a package.  From here, just keep hitting OK.  Give yourself plenty of time to be without the system.  This could easily take several hours based on the power of your system.
***  Note:  you might have to upgrade your SAINT as well.  If this happens, you’ll get a message that support pack XXX must have SAINT version YY.  Simply repeat step 2 & 3 for the SAINT update.  There is another menu option to update the SAINT.  run this, and wait for it to finish.  It typically takes a while, and sometimes even shortdumps.  If this happens, you can generally jsut log back in and restart the process.  It will pick up where you left off and finish up the install.  Then you can go back to step 4.
Step 5.  Run SGEN.  I’ll typically pick the software component to update, but feel free to select what works best for you.  Short story, this will help compile the thousands of program that need it, and hopefully save you quite a bit of time for every transaction you visit for the first time.
If all goes well, your system is running better than ever after the update…
Good luck,

Mike

SAP Webgui – Turning it on

Well, now that I have someone else working with me, I needed to be able to get the system up and running so he can help with testing and data stuff.  Since logging into SAP doesn’t always work behind a firewall, I figured I should get the SAP webgui turned on.  Well, I stumbled upon a blog: (I just subscribed to his RSS, since I can always use extra basis help).

https://sapbasis.wordpress.com/

Anyway, here are the simple steps to turning on the SAP webgui (provided your server is available to the outside world.  See my previous post: http://paperstreetenterprises.com/networking-sap…l-server-world/

Check if you have activated:
1) With transaction SICF and locate the services by path
/sap/public/bc/its/mimes
/sap/bc/gui/sap/its/webgui

2)With Transaction SE80 locate from the menu, Utilities –> Settings–>Internet Transaction Server (Tab)–>Publish (Tab) and set “On Selected
Site” = INTERNAL.
This restricts the publication in the next step to the integrated (internal) ITS.  Please note, on my ERP 6.0 SR3 system I didn’t need to do this.  My system was already set to INTERNAL.

3)In SE80 only, Locate the Internet Services: SYSTEM and WEBGUI.
Publish these services with the Context Menu -> Publish -> Complete Service

4)Now Browse to http://<server>:<icmport>/sap/bc/gui/sap/its/webgui/! and login to the webgui.

Thanks for reading…

Creating the printer LOCL

I know this is an easy one for most basis folks, but I had to do some hunting to find it.  So, maybe it’s useful for you too.
This is the guide to creating a local printer LOCL on your SAP system.  Pretty easy.  enjoy:

Follow the procedure below to create a device definition for frontend printing:
1.      Call transaction SPAD, and choose Output Devices.
2.      If you are not in change mode, switch to this mode by choosing This graphic is explained in the accompanying textChange.
3.      You can now do the following:  Create a new entry
4.       Fill out the mandatory fields of the device definition as follows for frontend printing:

Device Attributes Tab Page

Output device

Enter a name for the output device that makes it clear to your users that this is the frontend printer, such as Locl.

Device Type

We recommend that you use the device type  SWIN, SAPWIN, or a language-specific version for Microsoft Windows PCs. However, you can use any device type.

Use the device type pdf1 or a language-specific version for Frontend Printing Using SAP GUI for HTML.

Host Spool Access Method tab page

Access Method

Specify the access method F for frontend printing.

Host Printer

Enter the name __DEFAULT to use the default printer at a Microsoft Windows system.

If you specify __DEFAULT as the host printer, and the user enters the name of the output device, such as LOCL, in the print window and chooses enter, the system displays other printers defined on his or her work station PC. However, you can deactivate this list for users by selecting No Device Selection at Frontend on the Host Spool Access Method tab page.

4.      Save your entries.
Result

When you save the device definition, it is available for your users’ use. To print documents using their frontend, users must enter the name of the output device that you have just created in the Output Device field of the print window.
Example

 

Upgrading the SAP Kernel

You never know what I’m going to talk about next.  Even I wonder if there is a method to my madness (I hope so 🙂 ).  Anyway, today’s task is to update the SAP kernel on my ERP 6.0 EHP4 system.  I can’t get the crazy thing to start, so one of the suggestions online was to upgrade to the latest kernel, so here I am.

Step one.  Download the files.  YOu need the database file, the database independent file, and of course SAPCAR.EXE.  You can find all this on service.sap.com.  Normally, I just do a search and look for Kernel and my version.  In this case, I needed to find Kernel 7.01.  From here, SAP will guide you down the path depending on your OS and your DB type.  Look for the file with the biggest number or latest date.

Next up, save all these files to a location, and extract them.  This is what SAPCAR is for.  Since I’m on windows, I use the cmd.exe and navigate to where I saved the files.  I then use the command sapcar -xvf *.SAR.  The only catch is that once you start the extract, make sure and move SAPCAR.EXE to a different directory.  It gets extracted out the files you are extracting and will dump when it encounters the same file.  You can also extract to a different directory, which probably the better approach.

Next, save a copy of your current kernel, just in case.  For me, the path is:  c:\usr\sap\<SID>\SYS\exe\us\NTAMD64\.   I’ll just grab all of these files and save them somewhere else.  If things go horribly wrong, I’ll just wipe out the changes and paste these files back in.

So obviously, I copy the extracted files to the kernel location.  Be sure to leave all of the existing files in the directory.  Depending on the Kernel, not everything gets updated.

Now test.  I usually restart my system, just to be safe and then fire up SAP. in general, it’s that’s easy…  Hopefully this gets my EHP4 system working so I can take advantage of the new testing and debugging tools not available in kernel 7.00.  Unfortunately, for me, my Kernel doesn’t seem to be the issue.  So back to the drawing board.  It might mean a new install 🙁

Thanks,

Mike