If you are using the profile maintenance tool for the first time, you must first import the available profile files into the R/3 System.
The profile maintenance tool automatically queries all instances in succession for the profiles which are being used. They are then imported and stored in the SAP profile database.
Header information (name of the profile, date generated etc.) is also automatically added to the profile files. The operation mode maintenance tool can then use this information to generate the operation mode definitions.
This method of importing profiles is not only available when maintaining profiles for the first time. Profiles can be imported at any time using the same method. Also, at the push of a button, you can generate a new operating system copy of all the active profiles currently in the profile maintenance database.
Maintaining Profiles for the First Time 