How To Fix 00704 - Delete time is before expiration time

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 00 -

• Message number: 704

• Message text: Delete time is before expiration time

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 00704 - Delete time is before expiration time ?

  The SAP error message "00704 Delete time is before expiration time" typically occurs in the context of data archiving or deletion processes within the SAP system. This error indicates that the system is trying to delete an object (such as a document or record) before its defined expiration time has been reached. 
  Cause:
  
  Expiration Time Not Reached: The object you are trying to delete has an expiration time that has not yet been reached. This is often set in the archiving or retention policies.
  Configuration Issues: There may be misconfigurations in the archiving settings or retention periods that are causing the system to enforce this rule incorrectly.
  Data Integrity Rules: The system is designed to protect data integrity by preventing the deletion of records that are still considered valid or necessary based on the defined retention policies.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Expiration Dates: Review the expiration dates of the records you are trying to delete. Ensure that the current date is past the expiration date.
  Adjust Retention Policies: If necessary, adjust the retention policies or expiration settings in the system to allow for the deletion of the records.
  Wait for Expiration: If the records are still within their retention period, you will need to wait until the expiration time is reached before attempting to delete them.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or your organization's data management policies to understand the specific rules governing data retention and deletion.
  System Configuration: If you believe the settings are incorrect, consult with your SAP Basis or system administrator to review and adjust the configuration as needed.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may encounter this error while using transaction codes related to archiving (e.g., SARA for archiving administration).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Data Retention Policies: Familiarize yourself with your organization's data retention policies to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  Testing in Development: If you are making changes to retention settings, consider testing in a development environment before applying changes to production.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support or your internal IT team for further assistance.