How To Fix 26160 - You cannot delete the document type, because it is still in use

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 26 - Dokumentenverwaltung

• Message number: 160

• Message text: You cannot delete the document type, because it is still in use

What causes this issue?

You want to delete a document type.

System Response

This document type is still used in other documents.

How to fix this error?

Delete the documents of the document type concerned. Then you can
delete the document type.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 26160 - You cannot delete the document type, because it is still in use ?

  The SAP error message 26160, which states "You cannot delete the document type, because it is still in use," typically occurs when you attempt to delete a document type that is currently being utilized in the system. This can happen in various modules, such as Financial Accounting (FI), Controlling (CO), or Materials Management (MM), where document types are integral to transaction processing.
  Cause:
  
  Active Transactions: The document type you are trying to delete is still being used in active transactions or has historical data associated with it.
  Configuration Dependencies: The document type may be linked to other configurations or settings in the system that prevent its deletion.
  Open Documents: There may be open documents (e.g., invoices, purchase orders) that are still using the document type.
  Custom Code or Enhancements: Custom developments or enhancements may be referencing the document type, preventing its deletion.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check for Active Usage:
  
  Use transaction codes like FB03 (Display Document) or ME23N (Display Purchase Order) to check if there are any active documents using the document type.
  Review the document type in the relevant module to see if there are any open transactions.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for the document type in the relevant module (e.g., SPRO) and check if there are any dependencies or settings that need to be adjusted before deletion.
  
  
  
  Archive or Delete Documents:
  
  If there are historical documents that are no longer needed, consider archiving them using the appropriate archiving programs in SAP.
  Ensure that all open documents are either completed or deleted before attempting to delete the document type.
  
  
  
  Consult with Functional Team:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of deleting the document type, consult with your functional team or SAP consultant to understand the impact on the system.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Code OBA7:
  
  If you are working with document types in Financial Accounting, you can use transaction code OBA7 to check the document types and their usage.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Document Types: Document types are used in SAP to categorize different types of financial transactions, purchase orders, etc. Each document type has specific settings that control how transactions are processed.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or known issues related to the document type you are trying to delete.
  Testing in Development: If you are making changes in a production environment, consider testing the deletion in a development or quality assurance environment first to avoid unintended consequences.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the reason for the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.