How To Fix 88079 - Change status to "inactive" before setting the deletion indicator

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 88 - REA Processing

• Message number: 079

• Message text: Change status to "inactive" before setting the deletion indicator

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 88079 - Change status to "inactive" before setting the deletion indicator ?

  The SAP error message 88079, which states "Change status to 'inactive' before setting the deletion indicator," typically occurs when you are trying to set a deletion indicator on a master data record (such as a material, vendor, or customer) that is still active. In SAP, before you can mark a record for deletion, you must first change its status to "inactive."
  Cause:
  The error arises because SAP enforces a specific sequence of actions when managing master data. The system requires that the record be marked as inactive before you can set a deletion indicator. This is a safeguard to ensure that data integrity is maintained and that records are not deleted while they are still in use.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Change the Status to Inactive:
  
  Navigate to the relevant transaction for the master data you are working with (e.g., MM02 for materials, XK02 for vendors, or FD02 for customers).
  Locate the status field in the master data record.
  Change the status from "active" to "inactive."
  
  
  
  Set the Deletion Indicator:
  
  After successfully changing the status to inactive, you can now proceed to set the deletion indicator for the record.
  This is usually done in the same transaction where you changed the status.
  
  
  
  Save the Changes:
  
  Ensure that you save your changes after setting the deletion indicator.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Master Data Management: Understanding how SAP handles master data is crucial. Each type of master data (material, vendor, customer) has its own set of rules and statuses.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with the relevant transaction codes for managing master data:
  
  MM02: Change Material Master
  XK02: Change Vendor Master
  FD02: Change Customer Master
  
  
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to change the status and set deletion indicators on the records.
  Data Integrity: Be aware of the implications of marking records as inactive or deleting them, especially if they are linked to other transactions or data.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and manage your master data effectively in SAP.