How To Fix 5K718 - &4 - Cannot delete existing infotype records. Manual deletion required

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5K - HR: Messages for Canada

• Message number: 718

• Message text: &4 - Cannot delete existing infotype records. Manual deletion required

What causes this issue?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5K718 - &4 - Cannot delete existing infotype records. Manual deletion required ?

  The SAP error message 5K718 (and its related message 4) indicates that the system is unable to delete existing infotype records automatically. This typically occurs when there are constraints or dependencies that prevent the deletion of these records. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  
  Data Integrity Constraints: The infotype records may be linked to other records or processes that maintain data integrity. For example, if there are payroll results, time data, or other infotypes that reference the records you are trying to delete, the system will not allow the deletion to maintain consistency.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to delete the infotype records.
  
  
  System Configuration: Certain infotypes may be configured in a way that prevents deletion, especially if they are marked as "not deletable" in the configuration settings.
  
  
  Status of the Record: The record may be in a status that does not allow deletion, such as being locked or in a completed state.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Manual Deletion: As the error message suggests, you may need to manually delete the infotype records. This can be done through transaction codes like PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) or PA40 (Personnel Actions). Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform this action.
  
  
  Check Dependencies: Investigate if there are any dependent records that are preventing deletion. You can use transaction SE16 to check related tables for dependencies.
  
  
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the appropriate authorizations to delete infotype records. This can be checked in transaction SU53 after attempting the deletion.
  
  
  Consult Configuration: If the infotype is configured to be non-deletable, you may need to consult with your SAP HR configuration team to understand the implications of changing this setting.
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes: If you are trying to delete a specific infotype, you can use the relevant transaction codes to navigate to the infotype and attempt deletion manually.
  
  
  Check for Locks: Ensure that the record is not locked by another process or user. You can check for locks using transaction SM12.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Infotypes: Infotypes are data structures in SAP HR that store employee-related information. Each infotype has a specific purpose and can have various records associated with it.
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  PA30: Maintain HR Master Data
  PA40: Personnel Actions
  SE16: Data Browser
  SM12: Display and Delete Locks
  SU53: Authorization Check
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. You can search for notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in SAP HR.