BL264 - Cannot lock log &1 (deadlock)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BL - Application Log

• Message number: 264

• Message text: Cannot lock log &1 (deadlock)

What causes this issue?

The current program, called using the ABAP statement SUBMIT or CALL
TRANSACTION, is attempting to modify the application log using the
handle &V1& (for example, to add or delete a message).
This log was modified earlier by the calling program, however, and this
change was not completed by calling the function module BAL_DB_SAVE <ZH>
and</> a database commit.
This open change means that the current program cannot modify this log,
since both programs are running in different sessions and cannot both
modify the log at the same time.

System Response

This is a deadlock situation and the editing of the log is canceled.

How to fix this error?

Correct the calling program so that the log is saved between its last
modification and the statement SUBMIT or CALL TRANSACTION and a database
commit is performed by the statement COMMIT WORK or by the function
module DB_COMMIT.
If you do not want to interrupt the current SAP LUW, call the function
module BAL_DB_SAVE with the parameters
I_2TH_CONNECTION = 'X'
I_2TH_CONNECT_COMMIT = 'X'
(see SAP Note 1535132). This closes the change immediately.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BL264 - Cannot lock log &1 (deadlock) ?

  The SAP error message BL264, which states "Cannot lock log &1 (deadlock)," typically occurs when there is a deadlock situation in the system. A deadlock happens when two or more processes are waiting for each other to release locks, causing them to be unable to proceed. In this case, the log file that the system is trying to access is locked by another process, leading to this error.
  Cause:
  
  Deadlock Situation: Two or more transactions are trying to access the same resources but are holding locks that the other transactions need.
  Long-running Transactions: If a transaction takes too long to complete, it can hold locks for an extended period, increasing the likelihood of deadlocks.
  High Concurrency: A high number of concurrent transactions trying to access the same resources can lead to contention and deadlocks.
  Improper Lock Management: Inefficient coding practices or improper handling of locks in custom programs can lead to deadlocks.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify and Analyze Deadlocks:
  
  Use transaction codes like SM21 (System Log) or ST22 (Dump Analysis) to check for any related dumps or logs that can provide insight into the deadlock situation.
  Use SM12 (Delete Locks) to view and delete unnecessary locks if they are causing issues.
  
  
  
  Optimize Transactions:
  
  Review and optimize long-running transactions to ensure they complete quickly and release locks promptly.
  Break down large transactions into smaller, more manageable ones if possible.
  
  
  
  Improve Lock Management:
  
  Ensure that your custom programs are designed to handle locks efficiently. Avoid holding locks longer than necessary.
  Implement proper error handling to retry transactions that fail due to deadlocks.
  
  
  
  Monitor System Performance:
  
  Regularly monitor system performance and transaction behavior to identify patterns that may lead to deadlocks.
  Use tools like ST04 (Database Performance Analysis) to analyze database locks and performance.
  
  
  
  Database Configuration:
  
  Check the database configuration and settings to ensure they are optimized for handling concurrent transactions.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Look for relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to deadlocks in your version of SAP.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM21: System Log
  ST22: Dump Analysis
  SM12: Display and Delete Locks
  ST04: Database Performance Analysis
  
  
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to deadlocks and locking issues in the SAP Support Portal.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on lock management and transaction handling for best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you can address the BL264 error and reduce the likelihood of deadlocks in your SAP system.