How To Fix 5W173 - Caution: Container is being deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 173

• Message text: Caution: Container is being deleted

What causes this issue?

The container does not just contain importing elements. However, this
is only allowed for certain rule types. The selected rule type only
supports importing elements. For this reason the system is deleting the
container.

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?

When the action is completely finished, you can create a new container,
which then only contains allowed elements.

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 5W173 - Caution: Container is being deleted ?

  The SAP error message 5W173, which states "Caution: Container is being deleted," typically occurs in the context of SAP's handling of containers, such as when working with transport requests, change management, or data archiving. This message indicates that a container (which could be a transport container, a data container, or a similar entity) is in the process of being deleted, and as a result, certain operations may be restricted or may not proceed as expected.
  Cause:
  
  Ongoing Deletion Process: The most common cause of this error is that a deletion process for the container is currently underway. This could be due to a manual deletion initiated by a user or an automated process.
  Locking Mechanism: SAP uses locking mechanisms to prevent data inconsistencies. If a container is locked for deletion, other operations that require access to that container will trigger this warning.
  System Configuration: Certain configurations or settings in the SAP system may lead to this message being displayed when attempting to access or modify the container.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait for Deletion to Complete: If the container is being deleted, the simplest solution is to wait until the deletion process is complete. You can check the status of the deletion in the relevant transaction or logs.
  Check for Locks: Use transaction codes like SM12 to check for any locks on the container. If you find a lock that is not being released, you may need to investigate further or contact your system administrator.
  Review Background Jobs: If the deletion is part of a background job, check the job status in transaction SM37. If the job has failed or is taking too long, you may need to intervene.
  Consult Logs: Review system logs (transaction SLG1) for any related messages that might provide more context on why the container is being deleted or if there are any errors associated with it.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot determine the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They can provide more detailed insights based on your specific system configuration and logs.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE01 (Transport Organizer), SE09 (Workbench Organizer), and SE10 (Customizing Organizer) for managing transport requests and containers.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to transport management and data archiving for best practices and troubleshooting steps.
  System Administration: Ensure that your SAP Basis team is aware of the issue, as they may need to perform system-level checks or adjustments.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the error message 5W173 effectively.