How To Fix AD290 - &-& (foreign key definition cannot be specified in full)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AD - Data Dictionary application messages

• Message number: 290

• Message text: &-& (foreign key definition cannot be specified in full)

What causes this issue?

It is not possible to create the foreign key definition, since all key
fields in the value table (primary key fields) would have to be
assigned to foreign key fields (fields to be checked from the table
itself or possibly from another table). In this case, the assignment
would be via the common domain of the field pairs.

System Response

The system attempted to create a default value for this assignment, but
the corresponding fields from the table to be checked could not be
assigned to all the primary key fields.

How to fix this error?

To be able to activate a relationship, the assignment of primary and
foreign key fields must be complete. Any missing fields must be dealt
with manually afterwards in such a way that the fields to be checked
can come not only from the table itself but also from another table. If
an assignment is not possible, the data design of this table must be
re-examined.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AD290 - &-& (foreign key definition cannot be specified in full) ?

  The SAP error message AD290 indicates that there is an issue with the foreign key definition in a database table. Specifically, the error message states that a foreign key definition cannot be specified in full. This typically occurs when you are trying to create or modify a table in the Data Dictionary (SE11) and there is a problem with the foreign key relationship you are trying to establish.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Foreign Key Definition: The foreign key you are trying to define may not match the primary key of the referenced table. This can happen if the data types or lengths of the fields do not match.
  Non-Existent Table: The table you are trying to reference in the foreign key does not exist or is not activated.
  Field Mismatch: The fields specified in the foreign key do not correspond correctly to the fields in the referenced table.
  Composite Keys: If you are trying to create a foreign key that references a composite primary key, you need to ensure that all fields in the composite key are correctly defined in the foreign key.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Table Existence: Ensure that the table you are referencing in the foreign key definition exists and is activated.
  Verify Field Definitions: Check the data types and lengths of the fields in both the foreign key and the primary key. They must match exactly.
  Correct Foreign Key Definition: If you are using a composite key, ensure that all fields in the composite key are included in the foreign key definition.
  Recreate the Foreign Key: If necessary, delete the existing foreign key definition and recreate it with the correct parameters.
  Activate Changes: After making changes, ensure that you activate the table and any related objects.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes SE11 (Data Dictionary) to manage tables and foreign keys, and SE14 (Database Utility) to check the consistency of database objects.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed guidelines on defining foreign keys and managing database tables.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to foreign key definitions.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis or ABAP team for further assistance, as they may have additional insights or tools to diagnose the issue.