How To Fix C1190 - The data type currently being used cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: C1 - Characteristics maintenance messages

• Message number: 190

• Message text: The data type currently being used cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

You want to delete the user-defined data type that is assigned to the
characteristic you are currently processing. This is not possible.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

First assign the characteristic to another data type, then delete the
old data type.

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 C1190 - The data type currently being used cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message C1190, which states "The data type currently being used cannot be deleted," typically occurs when you attempt to delete a data type (such as a domain, data element, or structure) that is still in use within the system. This can happen if the data type is referenced in various objects, such as tables, views, or programs.
  Cause:
  
  Active References: The data type you are trying to delete is actively referenced in other objects within the SAP system.
  Dependencies: There are dependencies on the data type that prevent its deletion. This could include being part of a table structure, a field in a database table, or used in other data definitions.
  Transport Requests: The data type might be included in a transport request that is still active or not yet released.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check References:
  
  Use transaction code SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE80 (Object Navigator) to check where the data type is being used.
  You can use the "Where-Used List" feature to find all objects that reference the data type. This will help you identify what needs to be modified or deleted first.
  
  
  
  Remove Dependencies:
  
  If the data type is being used in tables, views, or other structures, you will need to either modify those objects to remove the reference to the data type or delete those objects if they are no longer needed.
  Ensure that any programs or function modules that reference the data type are also updated accordingly.
  
  
  
  Transport Requests:
  
  Check if the data type is part of any transport requests. If it is, you may need to release or delete the transport request before attempting to delete the data type.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review any documentation or comments associated with the data type to understand its purpose and implications of deleting it.
  
  
  
  Backup:
  
  Before making any changes, ensure you have a backup or a way to restore the previous state in case the deletion causes issues.
  
  
  
  Seek Help:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of deleting the data type, consult with a more experienced SAP developer or your SAP Basis team.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE80 (Object Navigator), SE37 (Function Modules), SE38 (ABAP Programs).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or known issues related to the error message C1190.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for best practices on managing data types and dependencies in the Data Dictionary.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.