How To Fix 5W111 - Record does not exist on the database, so update is not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5W - Messages for PD (Particularly Workflow)

• Message number: 111

• Message text: Record does not exist on the database, so update is not possible

What causes this issue?

The data record you have chosen does not exist (yet) on the database.
For this reason, it cannot be changed or deleted.
This situation can arise if you have not yet saved changed data, for
example.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Save the data before repeating the operation.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5W111 - Record does not exist on the database, so update is not possible ?

  The SAP error message 5W111 ("Record does not exist on the database, so update is not possible") typically occurs when an attempt is made to update a record in the database that does not exist. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when trying to modify a document, a master data record, or any other database entry.
  Causes:
  
  Record Deletion: The record you are trying to update may have been deleted by another user or process.
  Incorrect Key: The key or identifier used to access the record may be incorrect, leading to a situation where the system cannot find the record.
  Data Synchronization Issues: If the system is integrated with other systems, there may be synchronization issues causing discrepancies in the data.
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to view or update the record, leading to the perception that it does not exist.
  Database Issues: There could be underlying database issues, such as corruption or connectivity problems.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Verify Record Existence: Check if the record actually exists in the database. You can do this by querying the database directly or using transaction codes in SAP to search for the record.
  Check Input Parameters: Ensure that the key or parameters you are using to access the record are correct. Double-check for typos or incorrect values.
  Review Deletion Logs: If you suspect the record was deleted, check the deletion logs or audit trails to confirm.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access and update the record. You may need to consult with your SAP security team.
  Database Integrity Check: If you suspect database issues, perform a database integrity check or consult your database administrator for assistance.
  Recreate the Record: If the record is indeed missing and needs to be updated, you may need to recreate it if possible.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to view the database tables and check for the existence of the record.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions to common problems.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can trace the program execution to see where the error is occurring and gather more context about the issue.
  
  If the problem 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.