How To Fix BT864 - Printer not suitable for job step; automatic output not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BT - Background processing messages

• Message number: 864

• Message text: Printer not suitable for job step; automatic output not possible

What causes this issue?

Your job step has one of the following problems:
Print immediately is selected at your frontend printer but no
printer is selected
The system could not find an appropriate format
Your user settings specify this or you have set these options

System Response

Automatic output is not possible in background processing with this
configuration. Therefore the following occurs: the job step creates a
spool list. However, the step will either not output the spool list or
only partially output it. Otherwise the job runs normally.

How to fix this error?

You have the following options:
Continue normally and then print later from spool management (Choose
Transaction SP02, Utilities -> Restart frontend printing).
Change your user settings by either choosing another printer (another
access method) or deselecting "print immediately".

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BT864 - Printer not suitable for job step; automatic output not possible ?

  The SAP error message BT864 ("Printer not suitable for job step; automatic output not possible") typically indicates that the printer defined for a specific job step in your SAP system is not configured correctly or is not suitable for the type of output being requested. This can occur in various scenarios, such as when trying to print a document or report.
  Causes:
  
  Printer Configuration Issues: The printer may not be configured correctly in the SAP system. This includes settings like the device type, output format, or connection settings.
  Incompatible Printer Type: The printer may not support the type of output being requested (e.g., certain formats or page sizes).
  Missing Printer Definition: The printer may not be defined in the SAP system or may not be assigned to the user or job step.
  User Authorization: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the printer.
  Output Device Settings: The output device settings may not match the requirements of the job step.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Printer Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction code SPAD (Spool Administration) and verify the configuration of the printer.
  Ensure that the printer is defined correctly, including the device type and connection settings.
  
  
  
  Verify Output Device:
  
  Check the output device assigned to the job step. Ensure that it is a valid and active printer.
  If necessary, change the output device to a different printer that is compatible with the job step.
  
  
  
  Review User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the printer. This can be checked in transaction SU01 (User Maintenance).
  
  
  
  Check Job Step Settings:
  
  Review the job step settings to ensure that the output format and other parameters are compatible with the printer.
  
  
  
  Test Printing:
  
  Perform a test print from the SAP system to see if the printer is functioning correctly. This can help identify if the issue is with the printer or the specific job step.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SPAD: Spool Administration
  SU01: User Maintenance
  SP01: Spool Request Overview
  
  
  Device Types: Ensure that the device type assigned to the printer is compatible with the output format required by the job step.
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance, especially if it involves complex configurations or system-specific issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the BT864 error message in your SAP system.