How To Fix ED197 - No hits found in the freely-definable area

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ED - ABAP/4 Editor messages

• Message number: 197

• Message text: No hits found in the freely-definable area

What causes this issue?

In modification mode, you can only use the 'Replace' function within the
freely-changeable area.

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?

Choose 'Find', and use the modification functions to replace the search
string.

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 ED197 - No hits found in the freely-definable area ?

  The SAP error message ED197 "No hits found in the freely-definable area" typically occurs when a user is trying to search for or retrieve data in a specific area of the SAP system, but the system cannot find any relevant entries based on the criteria provided. This error is often related to the use of freely definable fields in various SAP modules, such as SAP SD (Sales and Distribution), SAP MM (Materials Management), or others.
  Cause:
  
  No Data Exists: The most common cause is that there are simply no entries in the database that match the search criteria specified by the user.
  Incorrect Search Criteria: The search parameters may be incorrectly defined, leading to no results being found.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to view the data in the specified area.
  Data Not Yet Created: If the data is expected to be there but hasn't been created yet, this error will occur.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the freely definable fields, leading to them not being populated correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Existence: Verify if the data you are trying to access actually exists in the system. You can do this by checking the relevant tables or using transaction codes that allow you to view the data.
  Review Search Criteria: Double-check the search criteria you are using. Ensure that you are entering the correct values and that they match the data format in the database.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to access the data. You may need to contact your SAP security team to verify your access rights.
  Data Creation: If you expect data to be present but it is not, ensure that the relevant transactions have been executed to create the necessary entries.
  Configuration Review: If you suspect a configuration issue, consult with your SAP functional consultant to review the setup of the freely definable fields and ensure they are configured correctly.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the module, you may use different transaction codes to check data. For example, in SD, you might use VA03 (Display Sales Order) or VD03 (Display Customer).
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Documentation: Review the SAP documentation for the specific module you are working with to understand how freely definable fields are used and configured.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to engage with your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further assistance.