How To Fix CO186 - List control is not defined for background printing

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CO - PPC order processing messages

• Message number: 186

• Message text: List control is not defined for background printing

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CO186 - List control is not defined for background printing ?

  The SAP error message CO186, which states "List control is not defined for background printing," typically occurs when there is an issue with the configuration of the output control for background printing in the SAP system. This error can arise in various contexts, particularly when trying to print reports or documents in the background.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Configuration: The output control for the specific report or transaction you are trying to print in the background may not be defined or configured correctly in the SAP system.
  Output Type Issues: The output type associated with the report may not have the necessary settings for background printing.
  User Authorizations: The user may not have the required authorizations to execute background printing for the specific report or transaction.
  Technical Issues: There may be technical issues with the spool server or printer configuration.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Output Control Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction SPAD (Spool Administration) and check the configuration for the output device you are using.
  Ensure that the output type for the report is correctly defined and that it allows for background printing.
  
  
  
  Define Output Type:
  
  Use transaction NACE to check the output type settings for the relevant application area (e.g., CO for Controlling).
  Ensure that the output type is defined for background processing and that the necessary conditions are met.
  
  
  
  Review User Authorizations:
  
  Check if the user has the necessary authorizations to execute background jobs and print in the background. This can be done through transaction SU53 or by consulting with your security team.
  
  
  
  Check Spool Server and Printer Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the spool server is functioning correctly and that the printer is configured properly.
  You can check the status of the spool requests in transaction SP01.
  
  
  
  Test with Different Output Devices:
  
  If possible, try using a different output device to see if the issue persists. This can help identify if the problem is specific to a particular printer or device.
  
  
  
  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
  NACE: Output Types
  SP01: Spool Request Overview
  SU53: Authorization Check
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to output management and background processing for further insights.
  SAP Community: Consider searching or posting in the SAP Community forums for additional help from other SAP users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the CO186 error message in your SAP system.