How To Fix 42171 - Document has write protection. Links cannot be inserted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 42 - Information Workbench

• Message number: 171

• Message text: Document has write protection. Links cannot be inserted

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 42171 - Document has write protection. Links cannot be inserted ?

  The SAP error message 42171, which states "Document has write protection. Links cannot be inserted," typically occurs when you are trying to insert a link into a document that is currently set to read-only or has write protection enabled. This can happen in various SAP modules, particularly in document management or when dealing with attachments.
  Causes:
  
  Document Status: The document may be in a status that does not allow modifications, such as being archived or finalized.
  User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to edit the document or insert links.
  Document Type Settings: Certain document types may have restrictions on editing or linking.
  System Configuration: The system may be configured to enforce write protection on certain documents or types of documents.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Document Status: Verify the status of the document. If it is in a read-only state, you may need to change its status to allow editing.
  Review User Permissions: Ensure that your user role has the necessary permissions to edit the document. You may need to contact your SAP administrator to adjust your permissions.
  Change Document Type Settings: If applicable, check the settings for the document type you are working with to see if write protection can be disabled.
  Unlock the Document: If the document is locked by another user or process, you may need to wait until it is unlocked or contact the user who has it locked.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific instructions related to the document type you are working with.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that may help in managing document statuses and permissions (e.g., transaction codes for document management).
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to manage document statuses and understand the implications of write protection.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.