How To Fix B1261 - Error when opening IDoc: IDoc does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: B1 - ALE group messages

• Message number: 261

• Message text: Error when opening IDoc: IDoc does not exist

What causes this issue?

The IDoc could not be opened for processing in the previous step
because it does not exist on the database.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message B1261 - Error when opening IDoc: IDoc does not exist ?

  The SAP error message B1261 indicates that there is an issue with opening an IDoc (Intermediate Document) because the specified IDoc does not exist in the system. This error can occur for various reasons, and understanding the cause and potential solutions is essential for troubleshooting.
  Causes of B1261 Error
  
  
  IDoc Not Created: The IDoc may not have been created successfully due to issues in the sending system or during the processing of the data.
  
  
  IDoc Deletion: The IDoc might have been deleted from the database, either manually or through a scheduled job that cleans up old IDocs.
  
  
  Incorrect IDoc Number: The IDoc number being referenced may be incorrect or mistyped, leading to the system not being able to find it.
  
  
  IDoc Status: The IDoc may exist but could be in a status that prevents it from being processed (e.g., status 51 - "Application document not posted").
  
  
  Database Issues: There could be issues with the database that prevent the IDoc from being retrieved.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the IDoc.
  
  
  Solutions
  
  
  Verify IDoc Existence:
  
  Use transaction code WE02 or WE05 to check if the IDoc exists in the system. Search for the IDoc using the IDoc number or other relevant criteria.
  
  
  
  Check IDoc Status:
  
  If the IDoc exists, check its status. If it is in an error status, you may need to reprocess it or correct the underlying issue.
  
  
  
  Correct IDoc Number:
  
  Ensure that the IDoc number you are trying to access is correct. Double-check for any typos or errors in the IDoc number.
  
  
  
  Review Deletion Jobs:
  
  Check if there are any background jobs that might be deleting IDocs. If necessary, adjust the retention settings for IDocs.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access and process IDocs. You may need to consult with your SAP security team.
  
  
  
  Recreate IDoc:
  
  If the IDoc does not exist and it is critical for processing, you may need to recreate the IDoc from the source system.
  
  
  
  Database Check:
  
  If you suspect database issues, consult with your database administrator to check for any inconsistencies or issues that might be affecting IDoc retrieval.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  IDoc Types: Familiarize yourself with the specific IDoc type you are working with, as different IDoc types may have different processing rules and statuses.
  Transaction Codes: Common transaction codes for IDoc processing include:
  
  WE02: Display IDoc
  WE05: IDoc List
  WE19: Test tool for IDocs
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to IDoc processing that might be relevant to your version of SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the B1261 error effectively. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.