How To Fix >0398 - Documents exist for reconciliation key &1; deletion not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: >0 - General Basis texts

• Message number: 398

• Message text: Documents exist for reconciliation key &1; deletion not possible

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message >0398 - Documents exist for reconciliation key &1; deletion not possible ?

  The SAP error message 0398 indicates that there are existing documents associated with a reconciliation key, which prevents the deletion of that key. This typically occurs in the context of financial accounting, particularly when dealing with reconciliation accounts or similar entities in SAP.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to delete a reconciliation key (such as a reconciliation account) that is still linked to existing financial documents. This could include invoices, payments, or other accounting entries that reference the reconciliation key. SAP enforces this restriction to maintain data integrity and ensure that all financial records remain consistent.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Linked Documents:
  
  Use transaction codes like FB03 (Display Document) or FBL3N (Display G/L Account Line Items) to find the documents that are linked to the reconciliation key.
  You can also use transaction SE16N to query the relevant tables (e.g., BKPF for accounting documents) to find entries associated with the reconciliation key.
  
  
  
  Clear or Reverse Documents:
  
  If the documents are no longer needed, you may need to reverse or clear them. This can be done using transactions like FB08 (Reverse Document) or F-03 (Clear G/L Account).
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations and that reversing the documents complies with your organization's accounting policies.
  
  
  
  Check for Open Items:
  
  If there are open items in accounts receivable or payable that reference the reconciliation key, you will need to clear those items before attempting to delete the reconciliation key.
  
  
  
  Consult with Finance Team:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of deleting the reconciliation key or the documents associated with it, consult with your finance or accounting team to ensure that you are following the correct procedures.
  
  
  
  Retry Deletion:
  
  Once all linked documents have been addressed, you can attempt to delete the reconciliation key again.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as FB03, FBL3N, FB08, and F-03 for document management and clearing.
  Authorization: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to view and modify financial documents.
  Data Integrity: Understand the importance of maintaining data integrity in financial systems, as deleting reconciliation keys without proper checks can lead to inconsistencies in financial reporting.
  
  If you continue to face issues or if the reconciliation key is critical to your financial processes, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting the SAP Help Portal for further assistance.