How To Fix DS159 - Program is inactive. You cannot change the program type to I.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DS - Messages for Editing Text Elements in ABAP Programs

• Message number: 159

• Message text: Program is inactive. You cannot change the program type to I.

What causes this issue?

You are trying to change the program type to "Include program".
This can have severe consequences for the entire program structure.
Include programs do not have their own text elements, documentation, or
user interface (screens and menus). If you change the program type, any
elements of these types will be lost.

System Response

The system cannot change the type as long as the program is inactive.

How to fix this error?

If you really want to change the program type, activate the program.

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 DS159 - Program is inactive. You cannot change the program type to I. ?

  The SAP error message DS159, which states "Program is inactive. You cannot change the program type to I," typically occurs when you are trying to change the type of a program (for example, from a report to an include) in the ABAP Workbench, but the program is currently inactive. 
  Cause:
  
  Inactive Program: The program you are trying to modify is not active. In SAP, only active programs can be modified in certain ways, including changing their type.
  Program Type Restrictions: The system restricts certain changes to inactive programs to maintain data integrity and avoid inconsistencies.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Activate the Program:
  
  Go to the ABAP Editor (transaction SE38 or SE80).
  Enter the name of the program that is inactive.
  Activate the program by clicking on the "Activate" button (or pressing Ctrl + F3).
  Once the program is active, you should be able to change its type.
  
  
  
  Change Program Type:
  
  After activating the program, you can proceed to change the program type as needed.
  Make sure to save your changes.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies:
  
  If the program is part of a larger application or has dependencies, ensure that changing its type will not affect other components.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SE38: ABAP Editor
  SE80: Object Navigator
  
  
  Program Types: In SAP, programs can be of different types, such as executable programs, include programs, function groups, etc. Each type has specific characteristics and usage.
  Transport Requests: If you are working in a development environment, ensure that any changes you make are included in a transport request for proper migration to other environments (e.g., QA, Production).
  
  Additional Tips:
  
  Always check the program's documentation and dependencies before making changes.
  If you are unsure about the implications of changing a program type, consult with your SAP Basis or ABAP development team.
  If the program is part of a standard SAP delivery, consider whether it is advisable to modify it directly or if you should create a Z-program (custom program) instead. 
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DS159 error and successfully change the program type as needed.