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