How To Fix BT172 - Variants for external programs cannot be displayed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BT - Background processing messages

• Message number: 172

• Message text: Variants for external programs cannot be displayed

What causes this issue?

You asked the system to display variants of a program that is not part
of the SAP System.
Variants are sets of selection values for SAP programs and reports. The
background processing system can offer support for editing only SAP
ABAP/4 variants.

System Response

No action taken.

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BT172 - Variants for external programs cannot be displayed ?

  The SAP error message BT172, which states "Variants for external programs cannot be displayed," typically occurs when there is an issue with the configuration or setup of external programs in the SAP system. This error can arise in various scenarios, particularly when users attempt to access or manage variants for external programs that are not properly defined or accessible.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Authorization: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to view or manage variants for external programs.
  Incorrect Program Configuration: The external program may not be correctly configured in the SAP system, leading to issues in displaying its variants.
  Technical Issues: There may be underlying technical issues, such as problems with the connection to the external program or issues with the SAP system itself.
  Program Not Registered: The external program may not be registered in the SAP system, or it may not be recognized as an external program.
  Transport Issues: If the program or its variants were recently transported from another system, there may be inconsistencies or missing components.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access and manage variants for external programs. This can be done by reviewing the user's roles and authorizations in the SAP system.
  Verify Program Configuration: Check the configuration of the external program in the SAP system. Ensure that it is correctly defined and that all necessary parameters are set.
  Review Technical Settings: Investigate any technical issues that may be affecting the connection to the external program. This may involve checking network settings, server availability, or other technical configurations.
  Register the Program: If the external program is not registered, you may need to register it in the SAP system. This typically involves defining the program in the appropriate transaction (e.g., using transaction SE38 or SE80).
  Check Transport Logs: If the issue arose after a transport, review the transport logs for any errors or warnings that may indicate missing components or configuration issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE38 (ABAP Editor), SE80 (Object Navigator), and SU53 (Authorization Check) to troubleshoot the issue effectively.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to external programs and variants to ensure that you are following best practices for configuration and management.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis team or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.