How To Fix 37867 - The header element will also be deleted. Delete?

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 37 - Screen Painter

• Message number: 867

• Message text: The header element will also be deleted. Delete?

What causes this issue?

You wanted to delete a table control column element to which a title
element is assigned.

System Response

The system asks you whether it should delete the heading element as
well. This would be necessary, since the title element will no longer
be able to be assigned to a column element.

How to fix this error?

If you choose "Yes", the heading is deleted as well. If you choose
"No", neither the column element nor the heading element is deleted.
Note: If you want to retain the heading element, move it outside the
table control before you delete the column element.

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 37867 - The header element will also be deleted. Delete? ?

  The SAP error message 37867, which states "The header element will also be deleted. Delete??", typically occurs in the context of document management or when dealing with hierarchical data structures in SAP, such as sales orders, purchase orders, or other transactional documents. This message indicates that when you attempt to delete a specific line item or sub-element, the system is warning you that the associated header element (the main document or parent item) will also be deleted as a result of this action.
  Cause:
  
  Hierarchical Structure: The document you are trying to modify has a hierarchical structure where the header and line items are interdependent. Deleting a line item may lead to the deletion of the entire document if it is the last line item or if the system is configured to treat it that way.
  Data Integrity Rules: SAP enforces data integrity rules that prevent orphaned records. If the line item is the last one associated with a header, the system will prompt you about the potential deletion of the header.
  User Action: The user may have initiated a delete action on a line item without realizing the implications for the header.
  
  Solution:
  
  Confirm Deletion: If you intend to delete both the line item and the header, you can confirm the deletion when prompted. Ensure that this is the desired action.
  Check Dependencies: Before deleting, check if there are any dependencies or related documents that might be affected by the deletion of the header.
  Modify Instead of Delete: If you only want to remove a line item, consider modifying the document instead of deleting it. You can change the status of the line item or set it to inactive if applicable.
  Consult Documentation: Review the relevant SAP documentation or help files for the specific transaction you are working with to understand the implications of deleting elements in that context.
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If you are unsure about the implications of the deletion or if the message appears unexpectedly, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for further guidance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes depending on the context (e.g., VA02 for sales orders, ME22N for purchase orders).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to delete documents or line items in the system.
  Testing in a Sandbox: If possible, test the deletion in a sandbox environment to understand the behavior without affecting production data.
  
  Always ensure that you have backups or that you are aware of the consequences of deletions in your SAP environment to prevent data loss.