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# What to do if ELSTER displays the error message: “Number of eAs does not match”

###### Discrepancy between reporting flow XML and ELSTER form:
This help page explains why the message **“Number of eAs does not match”** can sometimes appears in ELSTER when importing a reporting flow XML – and how you can fix the error.

###### Official sources:
* [__KassenSichV § 4 – Registration of electronic recording systems__](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/kassensichv/__4.html)
* [__BMF – Cash register reporting obligation and TSE obligation__](https://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/Content/DE/Gesetzestexte/Gesetze_Gesetzesvorhaben/Abteilungen/Abteilung_IV/18_Legislaturperiode/Gesetze_Verordnungen/2017-10-06-KassenSichV/0-Verordnung.html)

###### Background
**eA**stands for **electronic recording systems**– in this context, your **registered cash registers**.
When uploading an XML file, ELSTER checks whether the number of cash registers contained in the file matches the information in the form.

###### Examples of triggers:
* The XML contains **more or fewer cash registers **than specified in the ELSTER form
* A cash register entry was accidentally omitted or duplicated in ELSTER
* The wrong XML version was uploaded (old or incomplete version)

###### Why does the error occur?
If the number of eAs is not synchronized:
* ELSTER cannot clearly assign the data
* The message is considered **inconsistent**
* The process must be corrected before it can be sent

###### How to fix the problem
1. **Check the XML file:**
* Open the XML in a text editor
* Count the <eA> entries (each one represents a cash register)
1. **Check the ELSTER form:**
* Ensure that **exactly the same number&#32;**of cash registers is created in the form
* Add missing cash registers or remove surplus ones
1. **Make corrections:**
* If you add entries manually in ELSTER: Adjust the number of XML

###### If you prefer to start over:
* Cancel the ELSTER process
* Open the reporting flow
* Generate a new XML and import it again

###### Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
**What if I have deregistered a cash register?**
→ The deregistered cash register must still be included in the deregistration list – just with the status “deregistered.”
**Can I edit the XML manually in ELSTER?**
→ Technically yes, but not recommended – it is better to re-export the file from the reporting flow.
**Does this also occur if only the location of a cash register has been changed?**
→ No, location changes do not affect the number of eAs.

###### In summary:
☑️ Error “Number of eAs does not match” = XML and ELSTER form contain different numbers of cash registers
☑️ Always ensure that both match
☑️ If in doubt, restart the process in ELSTER and import the current XML from Meldefluss

###### Contact & Support
* **Meldefluss Support**:  [help@openfiskal.com](mailto:help@openfiskal.com) (and chat button below)
* [Elster portal](https://www.elster.de/)