How To Fix 42170 - Document is write-protected

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 42 - Information Workbench

• Message number: 170

• Message text: Document is write-protected

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 42170 - Document is write-protected ?

  The SAP error message "42170 Document is write-protected" typically occurs when you attempt to make changes to a document that is in a status that does not allow modifications. This can happen in various SAP modules, such as SAP FI (Financial Accounting), MM (Materials Management), or SD (Sales and Distribution), among others.
  Causes:
  
  Document Status: The document may be in a status that prohibits changes, such as being posted or finalized.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to edit the document.
  Document Type Settings: Certain document types may be configured to be write-protected after a certain point in the workflow.
  Locking Mechanism: The document may be locked by another user or process, preventing modifications.
  Period Closing: If the document pertains to a closed accounting period, it may be write-protected to maintain data integrity.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Document Status: Verify the status of the document. If it is posted or finalized, you may need to reverse or cancel it before making changes.
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to edit the document. This may involve checking roles and permissions in the user profile.
  Consult Configuration: If the document type is configured to be write-protected, consult with your SAP administrator or configuration team to understand the settings and whether they can be adjusted.
  Unlock Document: If the document is locked, identify the user or process that has locked it and request that they release the lock.
  Open Periods: If the issue is related to period closing, check if the accounting period can be reopened or if adjustments can be made in a subsequent period.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the module, you may use different transaction codes to check document status or user authorizations (e.g., FB03 for viewing financial documents, ME23N for viewing purchase orders).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for specific modules to understand the implications of document statuses and write protection.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.