How To Fix 00838 - Deletion not possible; a background job still exists for folder &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 00 -

• Message number: 838

• Message text: Deletion not possible; a background job still exists for folder &

What causes this issue?

Before the batch input folder &V1& can be deleted, the system searched
for the associated background (batch) jobs. While doing so, it found a
job whose status was not yet set to "Complete".
When this folder is deleted, the folder may be deleted in dialog mode or
in the background, AND the existing job may still be executed.
This could lead to multiple deletion of the folder, or to inconsistent
processing of the folder.

System Response

Folder &V1& cannot be deleted.

How to fix this error?

Analyze the relevant background job using transaction SM37:
Job name: ,,&V1&
User name: ,,&V2&
Planned start date: ,,&V3&
Planned start time: ,,&V4&

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Check whether the job can still be run, and if it can, it does not need
to be deleted.
Otherwise delete the job and then try to delete the folder again.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 00838 - Deletion not possible; a background job still exists for folder & ?

  The SAP error message "00838 Deletion not possible; a background job still exists for folder &" typically occurs when you attempt to delete a folder in the SAP system that is still associated with an active background job. This error is a safeguard to prevent the deletion of folders that are currently in use, which could lead to data inconsistency or loss.
  Cause:
  
  Active Background Job: The folder you are trying to delete is linked to a background job that is still running or has not been completed.
  Job Scheduling: The background job may have been scheduled to run at a specific time and is still in the queue or in progress.
  Job Dependencies: There may be dependencies on the folder that are preventing its deletion.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Background Jobs:
  
  Go to transaction code SM37 (Job Monitoring).
  Enter the relevant selection criteria (such as user, job name, or date) to find the background job associated with the folder.
  Check the status of the job. If it is still running or in a waiting state, you may need to wait for it to complete.
  
  
  
  Terminate or Delete the Job:
  
  If the job is no longer needed, you can terminate it. Select the job in SM37 and choose the option to cancel or delete it.
  Be cautious when terminating jobs, as this may affect processes that rely on the job's completion.
  
  
  
  Check Job Logs:
  
  Review the job logs to understand why the job is still active or if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
  
  
  
  Retry Deletion:
  
  Once you have confirmed that there are no active background jobs associated with the folder, attempt to delete the folder again.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of deleting a folder or terminating a job, consult your SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP Basis team for guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM37: Job Monitoring
  SM36: Define Background Job
  SM21: System Log (to check for any related system messages)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific issues or patches related to this error message. You can search for relevant notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  
  
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to delete folders and manage background jobs.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully delete the folder in question.