How To Fix DT251 - Field &: Data type & does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DT - Table activation (incl. indexes)

• Message number: 251

• Message text: Field &: Data type & does not exist

What causes this issue?

A non-existent data type was defined for the given field.

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?

Assign the field an active type or directly enter the data type and
length.

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 DT251 - Field &: Data type & does not exist ?

  The SAP error message DT251 ("Field &: Data type & does not exist") typically occurs when there is an issue with the data type definition in the ABAP Dictionary or when a field is referenced that does not exist in the specified context. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Non-existent Field: The field being referenced in the program or data dictionary does not exist in the specified table or structure.
  Incorrect Data Type: The data type specified for a field is incorrect or not defined in the ABAP Dictionary.
  Typographical Errors: There may be a typo in the field name or data type in the code or data dictionary.
  Changes in Data Dictionary: If the data dictionary has been modified (e.g., fields added or removed), and the program has not been updated accordingly, this error can occur.
  Transport Issues: If the transport of changes has not been properly executed, the field may not be available in the target system.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Field Existence: Verify that the field exists in the relevant table or structure. You can do this by using transaction SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check the table or structure definition.
  Correct Data Type: Ensure that the data type specified for the field is correct and exists in the ABAP Dictionary. If necessary, redefine the data type.
  Review Code: Look for any typographical errors in the code where the field is being referenced. Ensure that the field name is spelled correctly.
  Update Program: If there have been changes in the data dictionary, update the program to reflect these changes. This may involve regenerating the program or reactivating it.
  Transport Check: If the issue is related to a transport, ensure that all necessary transports have been imported into the target system correctly.
  Debugging: If the error occurs during runtime, use the debugger to trace the point of failure and identify the specific field causing the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SE11: Data Dictionary
  SE80: Object Navigator
  SE37: Function Module
  SE38: ABAP Editor
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for data types and field definitions to ensure compliance with standards.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support for additional insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the DT251 error in your SAP environment.