How To Fix F5720 - Document already archived: therefore cannot be changed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: F5 - Document Editing

• Message number: 720

• Message text: Document already archived: therefore cannot be changed

What causes this issue?

A document that has already been archived cannot be change for
technical reasons.

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?

If you need to change the document you must reload it into the system.
You should contact your system administrator in this regard.

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 F5720 - Document already archived: therefore cannot be changed ?

  The SAP error message F5720, which states "Document already archived: therefore cannot be changed," typically occurs when you attempt to modify a financial document that has already been archived in the SAP system. Archiving is a process used to remove data from the active database to improve performance and manage data volume, and once a document is archived, it is no longer available for changes.
  Cause:
  
  Document Archiving: The document you are trying to change has been archived, meaning it has been moved to an archive storage and is no longer part of the active database.
  System Configuration: The system is configured to prevent changes to archived documents to maintain data integrity and compliance with accounting standards.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Document Status: Verify the status of the document in question. You can do this by checking the document number in the relevant transaction (e.g., FB03 for displaying financial documents).
  Unarchive (if necessary): If you need to make changes to the document, you may need to unarchive it. This typically requires administrative access and may involve using specific SAP transactions or tools designed for unarchiving. Note that unarchiving should be done with caution and in compliance with your organization's data management policies.
  Create a New Document: If unarchiving is not an option, consider creating a new document that reflects the necessary changes instead of modifying the archived document.
  Consult with SAP Basis or Functional Team: If you are unsure about the archiving process or need assistance, consult with your SAP Basis or functional team. They can provide guidance on the archiving policies and procedures in your organization.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Archiving Process: Understand the archiving process in SAP, which typically involves the use of transaction codes like SARA (Archive Administration) to manage archived data.
  Compliance and Data Integrity: Be aware of the compliance requirements related to financial data in your organization, as modifying archived documents may violate these policies.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or your organization's internal guidelines for handling archived documents and the procedures for unarchiving if necessary.
  
  Always ensure that any actions taken regarding archived documents are in line with your organization's policies and procedures.