How To Fix DO717 - Lock object & is still referenced

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DO - Dictionary: Mass activation of domains and data elements

• Message number: 717

• Message text: Lock object & is still referenced

What causes this issue?

The lock object is still being used in other objects.

System Response

The lock object is deleted although it is being used.

How to fix this error?

Using the environment analyzer, check in which objects the lock object
is being used and adjust it accordingly.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DO717 - Lock object & is still referenced ?

  The SAP error message DO717 indicates that a lock object is still being referenced, which typically means that a transaction or program is trying to access a lock object that is currently in use or has not been released properly. This can occur in various scenarios, such as when a program is trying to lock a database record that is already locked by another transaction.
  Cause:
  
  Unreleased Locks: A previous transaction may not have released the lock on the object, either due to an error or because it was terminated unexpectedly.
  Long-Running Transactions: If a transaction takes too long to complete, it may hold onto the lock longer than expected, causing other transactions to fail when they try to access the same object.
  Deadlocks: In some cases, a deadlock situation may arise where two or more transactions are waiting for each other to release locks.
  Incorrect Lock Handling: The program logic may not be correctly handling the locking and unlocking of objects.
  
  Solution:
  
  Identify the Lock: Use transaction codes like SM12 (Display and Delete Locks) to identify which user or transaction is holding the lock. You can check the lock entries and see if they can be deleted if they are no longer needed.
  Release the Lock: If you find that a lock is held unnecessarily, you can manually delete the lock entry in SM12. However, be cautious when doing this, as it may lead to data inconsistencies if the transaction holding the lock is still active.
  Review Code: If you are developing or maintaining custom programs, review the code to ensure that locks are being handled correctly. Ensure that locks are released properly after their use.
  Optimize Transactions: If long-running transactions are causing locks to persist, consider optimizing the transaction to reduce its execution time.
  Monitor for Deadlocks: Use transaction SM21 (System Log) to check for any deadlock situations and analyze the logs to understand the cause.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Lock Objects: In SAP, lock objects are used to prevent concurrent access to data that could lead to inconsistencies. They are defined in the Data Dictionary (SE11).
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and Delete Locks
  SM21: System Log
  SE11: Data Dictionary
  
  
  Best Practices: Always ensure that locks are released in the program logic, especially in error handling sections. Use commit and rollback statements appropriately to manage database transactions.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to consult with your SAP Basis team or SAP support for further assistance.