How To Fix 38597 - Program can only be executed in the background

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 38 - General Basis: ABAP Runtime Environment

• Message number: 597

• Message text: Program can only be executed in the background

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.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 38597 - Program can only be executed in the background ?

  The SAP error message 38597, which states "Program can only be executed in the background," typically occurs when a program or report is designed to run only in the background processing mode rather than in the foreground. This is often the case for programs that require significant processing time or resources, or that are designed to handle large volumes of data.
  Cause:
  
  Program Design: The program is explicitly coded to be executed in the background. This is often indicated in the program attributes or in the code itself.
  Transaction Restrictions: Some transactions or reports are restricted to background execution due to their complexity or the need for batch processing.
  User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to execute the program in the foreground.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Run in Background: The simplest solution is to execute the program in the background. You can do this by:
  
  Using the transaction code SM37 to monitor background jobs.
  Using the transaction code SE38 or SA38 to execute the program, and then selecting the option to run it in the background.
  If you are using a specific transaction that leads to this error, look for an option to run it in the background.
  
  
  
  Check Program Attributes: If you have access to the program code (via transaction SE80 or SE38), check the attributes of the program to confirm that it is indeed set to run only in the background.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review any available documentation or notes related to the program to understand its intended use and any specific instructions for execution.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If you believe the program should be executable in the foreground or if you encounter issues running it in the background, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or SAP directly for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Background Jobs: Familiarize yourself with how to create and manage background jobs in SAP using transaction SM36 (to create a job) and SM37 (to monitor jobs).
  Performance Considerations: Understand that running certain programs in the background can help improve system performance and user experience, especially for long-running processes.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that your user role has the necessary authorizations to execute background jobs.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully execute the program as intended.