How To Fix DNO167 - Notification locked by SAP; try again in 5 minutes

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DNO - Messages for General Notifications

• Message number: 167

• Message text: Notification locked by SAP; try again in 5 minutes

What causes this issue?

The notification cannot be changed by SAP because it is locked by SAP
due to missing change authorization. The change authorization has now
been requested.

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?

Try again in 5 to 10 minutes.

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 DNO167 - Notification locked by SAP; try again in 5 minutes ?

  The SAP error message DNO167 indicates that a notification is currently locked by another user or process, and you will need to wait for a specified period (in this case, 5 minutes) before attempting to access or modify the notification again. This locking mechanism is a part of SAP's concurrency control to prevent data inconsistencies when multiple users are trying to access or modify the same data simultaneously.
  Causes:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another user or process is currently editing the notification.
  Long-running Transactions: A transaction that is taking longer than expected may hold the lock on the notification.
  System Performance Issues: If the system is slow, it may take longer for locks to be released.
  Background Jobs: A background job may be processing the notification, causing it to be locked.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Wait and Retry: As the message suggests, wait for 5 minutes and then try again. This is the simplest solution if the lock is temporary.
  Check Lock Entries: Use transaction code SM12 to check for lock entries. You can see which user or process is holding the lock and take appropriate action if necessary.
  Contact the User: If you identify the user holding the lock, you can contact them to see if they can release the lock.
  System Administrator Intervention: If the lock persists and is causing issues, a system administrator can manually remove the lock using transaction code SM12. However, this should be done with caution to avoid data inconsistencies.
  Review Background Jobs: Check if any background jobs are running that might be locking the notification. You can use transaction code SM37 to monitor background jobs.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Lock Mechanism: SAP uses a locking mechanism to ensure data integrity. Locks can be exclusive (preventing all other access) or shared (allowing read access).
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: To view and manage lock entries.
  SM37: To monitor background jobs.
  SE11: To check the database table structure if needed.
  
  
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to properly handle notifications and understand the locking mechanism to minimize conflicts.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for more specific guidance related to your system configuration.