How To Fix 88266 - Error &1 during external number check; key must be corrected

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 88 - REA Processing

• Message number: 266

• Message text: Error &1 during external number check; key must be corrected

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 88266 - Error &1 during external number check; key must be corrected ?

  The SAP error message 88266, which states "Error &1 during external number check; key must be corrected," typically occurs when there is an issue with the external number assignment for a document or object in SAP. This error is often related to the configuration of number ranges or the way external numbers are being handled in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Number Range: The external number being used does not fall within the defined number range for the object type.
  Number Range Configuration: The number range may not be properly configured or may have been changed, leading to inconsistencies.
  Duplicate Numbers: The external number being used may already exist in the system, causing a conflict.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to use the specified number range.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Number Range Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code SNRO (Number Range Objects) and check the configuration for the relevant number range object.
  Ensure that the number range is correctly defined and that the external number is within the allowed range.
  
  
  
  Correct the External Number:
  
  If the external number is invalid, correct it to a valid number that falls within the defined range.
  If you are generating numbers automatically, ensure that the logic for generating these numbers is correct.
  
  
  
  Check for Duplicates:
  
  Verify if the external number already exists in the system. If it does, you may need to use a different number or adjust the existing entry.
  
  
  
  Review Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access and use the specified number range. This can be checked in the user roles and profiles.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review the SAP documentation or help files related to number range management for additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SNRO - Number Range Objects
  SNUM - Number Range Management
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to number range management or this error message.
  Custom Development: If there are custom developments that interact with number ranges, review the code to ensure it adheres to the expected logic.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the error message 88266 in SAP.