How To Fix E!020 - Line &: Entry already exists; no inserts possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: E! -

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Line &: Entry already exists; no inserts possible

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message E!020 - Line &: Entry already exists; no inserts possible ?

  The SAP error message E!020 "Line &: Entry already exists; no inserts possible" typically occurs when you are trying to insert a record into a database table or a data structure where a duplicate entry is not allowed. This can happen in various contexts, such as during data entry, data uploads, or when processing transactions.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Key Violation: The most common cause is that the entry you are trying to insert already exists in the database table, and the table has a unique constraint on that field or combination of fields.
  Data Upload Issues: If you are uploading data (e.g., via LSMW, BAPIs, or other data migration tools), the source data may contain duplicates.
  Incorrect Logic in Custom Code: If you are using custom ABAP code, there may be logic that does not properly check for existing entries before attempting to insert a new one.
  Configuration Issues: In some cases, configuration settings in the system may lead to unexpected behavior regarding data entries.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check for Existing Entries: Before attempting to insert a new record, check the database table to see if the entry already exists. You can do this using transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE16 (Data Browser).
  Modify the Data: If you find that the data you are trying to insert is indeed a duplicate, you may need to modify it to ensure it is unique before attempting the insert again.
  Adjust the Upload Process: If you are using a data upload tool, ensure that the source data does not contain duplicates. You may need to clean the data before uploading.
  Review Custom Code: If the error is occurring in custom ABAP programs, review the code to ensure that it properly checks for existing records before performing an insert operation.
  Consult Documentation: If the error is related to a specific SAP module or transaction, consult the relevant SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on handling duplicates.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Use SE11 to view the table structure and constraints, and SE16 to view the data in the table.
  Unique Constraints: Understand the unique constraints defined on the table to know which fields must be unique.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can set breakpoints in the relevant ABAP code to trace the execution and identify where the duplicate check is failing.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.