How To Fix ESH_BP_BACKUP005 - Cannot acquire lock for backup because there are application locks

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ESH_BP_BACKUP - Backup messages

• Message number: 005

• Message text: Cannot acquire lock for backup because there are application locks

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ESH_BP_BACKUP005 - Cannot acquire lock for backup because there are application locks ?

  The SAP error message ESH_BP_BACKUP005 indicates that a backup operation cannot proceed because there are existing application locks that prevent the acquisition of the necessary lock for the backup process. This situation typically arises in environments where multiple processes or transactions are trying to access the same resources simultaneously, leading to contention for locks.
  Cause:
  
  Existing Application Locks: The primary cause of this error is that there are active application locks held by other processes or transactions that are preventing the backup process from acquiring the required lock.
  Long-Running Transactions: If there are long-running transactions or processes that hold locks for an extended period, they can block the backup operation.
  Concurrency Issues: High concurrency in the system where multiple users or processes are trying to access the same data can lead to lock contention.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the ESH_BP_BACKUP005 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Identify Active Locks:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for existing locks in the system. This transaction allows you to view and manage locks held by users or processes.
  Look for locks that are related to the backup process or any other long-running transactions.
  
  
  
  Release Locks:
  
  If you identify locks that are no longer needed or are held by processes that can be safely terminated, you can release them. Be cautious when doing this, as terminating processes can lead to data inconsistencies or loss of work.
  You can also ask users to complete their transactions or log off if they are holding locks that are blocking the backup.
  
  
  
  Schedule Backups During Off-Peak Hours:
  
  If possible, schedule backup operations during off-peak hours when there are fewer users and processes running in the system. This can help reduce lock contention.
  
  
  
  Optimize Long-Running Transactions:
  
  Review and optimize any long-running transactions that may be holding locks for an extended period. This may involve improving performance or breaking down large transactions into smaller, more manageable ones.
  
  
  
  Increase Lock Timeout Settings:
  
  In some cases, you may consider adjusting the lock timeout settings in the system to allow the backup process to wait longer for locks to be released. However, this should be done with caution, as it may lead to longer wait times for other processes.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or patches related to this error.
  System Logs: Review system logs (transaction SM21) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide context for the locks.
  Performance Monitoring: Use transaction ST22 to check for dumps or performance issues that may be contributing to long-running transactions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the ESH_BP_BACKUP005 error and successfully perform the backup operation.