How To Fix BA10038 - Records (with address numbers) created externally must not be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BA10 - Customizing process industry and logistics comms, PP-PI

• Message number: 038

• Message text: Records (with address numbers) created externally must not be deleted

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 BA10038 - Records (with address numbers) created externally must not be deleted ?

  The SAP error message BA10038 indicates that there are records in the system that were created externally (for example, through an interface or data upload) and that these records cannot be deleted directly through the standard transaction or process you are attempting to use. This is a safeguard to prevent accidental loss of data that may be critical or linked to external systems.
  Cause:
  
  External Creation: The records in question were created by an external process, which means they may have dependencies or relationships with other data that are not managed within the SAP system.
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces data integrity rules to ensure that deleting these records does not lead to inconsistencies or orphaned records in the database.
  Configuration Settings: Certain configurations in the system may prevent the deletion of records created externally.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Dependencies: Before attempting to delete the records, check if there are any dependencies or related records that need to be addressed. This may involve reviewing related tables or data.
  Use Correct Process: If the records need to be deleted, you may need to use a specific process or transaction designed for handling externally created records. Consult your SAP documentation or support team for the appropriate method.
  Data Archiving: If deletion is not possible, consider archiving the records instead. SAP provides archiving solutions that allow you to remove data from the active database while retaining it for historical reference.
  Consult with SAP Support: If you are unsure about how to proceed, it may be beneficial to consult with SAP support or your internal SAP team for guidance on how to handle these records appropriately.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the module you are working with, different transaction codes may be relevant for managing records (e.g., SE11 for data dictionary, SE16 for table display).
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to the specific module or process you are working with to understand the implications of deleting records.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform actions on the records in question, as restrictions may also lead to error messages.
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Always back up data before attempting deletions or significant changes.
  Document any changes made to the system for future reference.
  Regularly review and clean up data to maintain system performance and integrity.
  
  If you continue to encounter issues or need further assistance, consider reaching out to your SAP administrator or support team for tailored help based on your specific system configuration and business processes.