How To Fix 5W208 - End date cannot be before start date; set a new date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 208

• Message text: End date cannot be before start date; set a new date

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5W208 - End date cannot be before start date; set a new date ?

  The SAP error message 5W208 indicates that there is a problem with the date configuration in a transaction or process where the end date is set to a date that is earlier than the start date. This is a common validation error in SAP systems, particularly in modules related to project management, time management, or any scheduling functionality.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  The end date of a task, project, or activity is incorrectly entered as being before the start date.
  There may be a data entry mistake where the dates were swapped or incorrectly formatted.
  The system is trying to process a record that has invalid date logic.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Date Entries: Review the start and end dates in the relevant transaction or record. Ensure that the end date is set to a date that is equal to or later than the start date.
  
  
  Correct the Dates: If you find that the end date is indeed before the start date, update the end date to a valid date that is on or after the start date.
  
  
  Validation: After making the changes, validate the entries to ensure that the error does not reoccur. This may involve saving the record and checking for any additional error messages.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates to enter, refer to the project documentation or consult with a project manager or relevant stakeholder.
  
  
  User Training: If this error occurs frequently, consider providing training to users on how to correctly enter date information in the system.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes depending on the context (e.g., CJ20N for project management, CAT2 for time entry).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to date handling in your specific version of SAP.
  User Roles: Ensure that users have the appropriate roles and permissions to make changes to date fields.
  System Configuration: In some cases, system configuration settings may affect how dates are validated. Consult with your SAP Basis or configuration team if you suspect this is the case.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the 5W208 error and ensure that your date entries are valid within the SAP system.