How To Fix /BOBF/LOCK004 - System failure in the enqueue server: Object could not be locked

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /BOBF/LOCK -

• Message number: 004

• Message text: System failure in the enqueue server: Object could not be locked

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /BOBF/LOCK004 - System failure in the enqueue server: Object could not be locked ?

  The SAP error message /BOBF/LOCK004 System failure in the enqueue server: Object could not be locked typically indicates that there is an issue with the locking mechanism in the SAP system. This error occurs when a request to lock a specific object fails, which can happen for several reasons. Below are the potential causes, solutions, and related information for this error:
  Causes:
  
  Lock Table Overflow: The lock table may be full, preventing new locks from being created.
  Deadlocks: Two or more processes may be waiting for each other to release locks, leading to a deadlock situation.
  Enqueue Server Issues: The enqueue server may be down or experiencing issues, preventing it from processing lock requests.
  Network Issues: Network problems can disrupt communication between the application server and the enqueue server.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to lock the object.
  Long-Running Transactions: A long-running transaction may hold locks for an extended period, causing contention for resources.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Lock Table Status:
  
  Use transaction code SM12 to check the lock entries. If the lock table is full, you may need to delete unnecessary locks or increase the size of the lock table in the system configuration.
  
  
  
  Monitor Enqueue Server:
  
  Use transaction code SM66 or SM50 to monitor the enqueue server and check for any issues. Ensure that the enqueue server is running properly.
  
  
  
  Analyze Deadlocks:
  
  Use transaction code SM21 to check the system log for any deadlock situations. If deadlocks are occurring, analyze the processes involved and optimize them to avoid contention.
  
  
  
  Check Network Connectivity:
  
  Ensure that there are no network issues affecting communication between application servers and the enqueue server.
  
  
  
  Review Authorizations:
  
  Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to perform the locking operation. Check the user roles and profiles.
  
  
  
  Optimize Long-Running Transactions:
  
  Review and optimize any long-running transactions that may be holding locks for an extended period. Consider breaking them into smaller transactions if possible.
  
  
  
  Restart Enqueue Server:
  
  If the enqueue server is unresponsive, consider restarting it. However, this should be done with caution and preferably during a maintenance window.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to locking issues and the specific error message for any patches or updates that may resolve the issue.
  System Configuration: Review the configuration settings for the enqueue server and lock management in the SAP system.
  Performance Monitoring: Regularly monitor system performance and locking behavior to proactively identify and resolve potential issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to involve SAP support for further investigation and assistance.