How To Fix BT670 - Program '&' can only be executed in the background

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BT - Background processing messages

• Message number: 670

• Message text: Program '&' can only be executed in the background

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BT670 - Program '&' can only be executed in the background ?

  The SAP error message BT670 indicates that a specific program (denoted by '&') can only be executed in the background and not in the foreground. This typically occurs when the program is designed to run as a batch job, which means it is intended to process data without user interaction and is optimized for performance.
  Cause:
  
  Program Design: The program is explicitly designed to run in the background. This is often the case for programs that handle large volumes of data or require significant processing time.
  Transaction Restrictions: Some transactions or reports are restricted to background execution to prevent long-running processes from blocking user interactions in the foreground.
  User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to execute the program in the foreground.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Run in Background: The simplest solution is to execute the program in the background. You can do this by:
  
  Using transaction code SM36 to create a background job.
  Enter the program name and set the necessary parameters.
  Schedule the job to run immediately or at a later time.
  
  
  
  Check Program Documentation: Review the documentation or help files associated with the program to understand its intended use and any specific instructions for background execution.
  
  
  User Permissions: If you believe you should be able to run the program in the foreground, check with your SAP administrator to ensure you have the necessary permissions.
  
  
  Consult with Developers: If you are a developer or have access to the development team, you can discuss whether the program can be modified to allow foreground execution, although this is generally not recommended for programs designed for background processing.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  SM37: To monitor background jobs.
  SM36: To create and manage background jobs.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to the specific program you are trying to execute.
  
  
  Performance Considerations: Running large data processing tasks in the background is often more efficient and prevents performance degradation in the SAP GUI for other users.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BT670 error and successfully execute the program as intended.