How To Fix CRM_CASE188 - Case cannot be linked to itself

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CRM_CASE - Messages for CRM Case Management

• Message number: 188

• Message text: Case cannot be linked to itself

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CRM_CASE188 - Case cannot be linked to itself ?

  The SAP error message CRM_CASE188, which states "Case cannot be linked to itself," typically occurs in the SAP Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module when a user attempts to create a relationship or link a case (or service request) to itself. This is a logical restriction in the system to prevent circular references, which could lead to confusion and data integrity issues.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  A user tries to link a case to itself, either directly or indirectly.
  There may be a misunderstanding of the linking functionality, where the user might be trying to establish a relationship that is not allowed.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Linking Process: Ensure that you are not trying to link the case to itself. Review the case ID you are attempting to link and confirm that it is different from the case you are currently working on.
  
  
  Use Different Cases: If you need to establish a relationship, select a different case or object that is relevant to the current case instead of trying to link it to itself.
  
  
  Review Business Logic: If you believe that linking to itself should be allowed based on your business process, you may need to review the business logic or configuration in the system. This may involve consulting with your SAP administrator or a functional consultant.
  
  
  Check for Customizations: If your SAP system has custom developments or enhancements, ensure that these do not interfere with the standard behavior of case linking.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more information on case management and linking functionalities.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional context.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the proper procedures for linking cases and understand the limitations of the system.
  System Configuration: Review the configuration settings in the CRM module related to case management to ensure they align with your business requirements.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.