How To Fix DH178 - Search help exit not allowed for append search help

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DH - DD: Messages for search helps

• Message number: 178

• Message text: Search help exit not allowed for append search help

What causes this issue?

The search help is an <DS:TX.DDDOK_SHLP_APPEND>append search help</>.
Append search helps may not have a <DS:TX.DDDOK_SHLP_EXIT>search help
exit</>, but a search help exit is assigned to this append search help.

System Response

INCLUDE DDDOC_CANCEL OBJECT DOKU ID TX

How to fix this error?

Make sure that the search help definition is consistent.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DH178 - Search help exit not allowed for append search help ?

  The SAP error message DH178, which states "Search help exit not allowed for append search help," typically occurs when there is an attempt to use a search help exit in conjunction with an append search help. This situation arises because append search helps are designed to extend existing search helps without modifying the original search help's structure, and as such, they do not support the use of search help exits.
  Cause:
  
  Search Help Exit: A search help exit is a custom ABAP program that can be used to enhance the functionality of a search help by adding additional logic or filtering criteria.
  Append Search Help: An append search help is a way to add additional search criteria to an existing search help without changing the original search help. However, append search helps do not allow the use of search help exits.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the DH178 error, you can consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Remove the Search Help Exit: If you are using an append search help, you should remove any associated search help exit. This means you will need to rely solely on the standard functionality of the append search help.
  
  
  Use a Standard Search Help: If you need the functionality provided by a search help exit, consider using a standard search help instead of an append search help. You can create a new search help that includes the necessary logic directly in the search help definition.
  
  
  Modify the Search Help Logic: If you have control over the search help and its exits, you may need to refactor the logic to fit within the constraints of an append search help or create a new search help that meets your requirements.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review the SAP documentation for search helps and exits to understand the limitations and best practices for implementing search helps in your specific scenario.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to search helps and exits that may address known issues or provide additional guidance.
  ABAP Development: If you are familiar with ABAP, you can explore the code of the search help exit to see if there are alternative ways to achieve the desired functionality without using an exit.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have implemented.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DH178 error and implement a suitable search help solution in your SAP environment.