How To Fix 01662 - Cannot delete; user &1 is in use as a reference user

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 01 -

• Message number: 662

• Message text: Cannot delete; user &1 is in use as a reference user

What causes this issue?

You tried to delete a user that is used as a reference user for other
users.

System Response

The user was <ZU>not</> deleted.

How to fix this error?

Delete all references to this user before deleting the user.
You can use transaction SU10 to do this as follows:
Start transaction SU10.
Choose the 'Authorization Data' pushbutton.
Enter the user to be deleted (&V1&) in the "Reference User" field.
Start the report.
In the result list, select all users and choose the "Transfer" button to
transfer all affected users to the worklist in transaction SU10.
You can now change the users and assign a new reference user on the
"Roles" tab page, or remove the previous reference user by leaving the
field "Reference user for additional rights" empty.
Select the "Change" checkbox and save your change.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 01662 - Cannot delete; user &1 is in use as a reference user ?

  The SAP error message "01662 Cannot delete; user &1 is in use as a reference user" typically occurs when you attempt to delete a user in the SAP system who is still being referenced by other users or roles. This is a safeguard to prevent the accidental deletion of users that are still in use, which could lead to inconsistencies or issues in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Reference User: The user you are trying to delete is set as a reference user for other users. In SAP, a reference user is a user whose authorizations are copied to other users.
  Assigned Roles: The user may have roles assigned that are still in use by other users.
  User Groups: The user might be part of a user group that is still active.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Reference Users:
  
  Use transaction code SU01 to check the user profile of the user you want to delete. Look for any reference users in the "Roles" or "Profiles" tab.
  You can also use transaction code SUIM (User Information System) to find out which users are referencing the user you want to delete.
  
  
  
  Remove References:
  
  If the user is a reference user for other users, you will need to remove this reference. Go to the users that are referencing the user you want to delete and change their settings to remove the reference.
  You can do this by editing the user profiles of those users and removing the reference user from their roles or authorizations.
  
  
  
  Check User Groups:
  
  Ensure that the user is not part of any active user groups. If they are, remove them from those groups.
  
  
  
  Delete the User:
  
  Once all references have been removed, you should be able to delete the user without encountering the error.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of deleting a user, consult your organization's SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP Basis or Security team for guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SU01: User Maintenance
  SUIM: User Information System
  PFCG: Role Maintenance (to check roles and authorizations)
  
  
  
  User Management: Understanding how user management works in SAP, including roles, profiles, and authorizations, is crucial for effective user administration.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to user management and error handling.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully delete the user in question.