How To Fix BB013 - Protected name range may not be used

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BB - Coding Block

• Message number: 013

• Message text: Protected name range may not be used

What causes this issue?

This table contains specific name ranges, some of which are reserved
for SAP and some for customers. You tried to make an entry using a
prohibited name.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Use F4 on the relevant fields to display the name ranges you are
allowed to use. If you use entries from an SAP name range, there is a
risk that these will be overwritten by a future transport.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BB013 - Protected name range may not be used ?

  The SAP error message BB013, which states "Protected name range may not be used," typically occurs in the context of SAP BusinessObjects or SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office when trying to manipulate or access a named range in an Excel workbook that is protected. This error indicates that the named range you are trying to use is locked or restricted due to the protection settings of the Excel file.
  Cause:
  
  Protected Workbook/Worksheet: The named range you are trying to access is part of a worksheet or workbook that has been protected. This means that certain actions, such as editing or accessing specific ranges, are restricted.
  Named Range Restrictions: The named range itself may have been defined in a way that restricts its use when the workbook is protected.
  User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to access or modify the protected range.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Unprotect the Worksheet/Workbook:
  
  If you have the password, you can unprotect the worksheet or workbook by going to the "Review" tab in Excel and selecting "Unprotect Sheet" or "Unprotect Workbook."
  After unprotecting, you can access the named range without encountering the error.
  
  
  
  Modify Named Range:
  
  If you have access to the Excel file, consider modifying the named range to ensure it can be used even when the worksheet is protected. This may involve changing the scope or the definition of the named range.
  
  
  
  Check User Permissions:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the named range. If you are working in a shared environment, consult with the file owner or administrator.
  
  
  
  Contact IT Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue on your own, consider reaching out to your IT support team for assistance, especially if the file is part of a larger system or application.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Excel Protection Features: Familiarize yourself with Excel's protection features, which allow users to lock cells, ranges, and entire sheets to prevent unauthorized changes.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP's official documentation for more details on how named ranges and Excel integration work within SAP applications.
  Best Practices: When working with Excel files in SAP, it's a good practice to keep track of which ranges are protected and to document any necessary passwords for future access.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BB013 error and successfully work with the named ranges in your Excel workbook.