How To Fix F9640 - Minimum number of retention days must be a positive number

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: F9 - Messages from all FI Archiving and Deletion Programs

• Message number: 640

• Message text: Minimum number of retention days must be a positive number

What causes this issue?

You entered a negative figure for the number of days the document
remains in the system. This is incorrect. Only positive numbers >=0 are
permitted.

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?

Correct your entries.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message F9640 - Minimum number of retention days must be a positive number ?

  The SAP error message F9640, which states "Minimum number of retention days must be a positive number," typically occurs in the context of financial document retention settings within the SAP system. This error indicates that the system requires a positive integer value for the minimum number of retention days, but it has received a value that is either zero or negative.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The retention period settings in the configuration may have been set to zero or a negative number.
  Data Entry Error: During the setup or modification of retention periods, a user may have inadvertently entered an invalid value.
  System Defaults: If the system defaults are not properly set, it may lead to this error when trying to save or process documents.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Configuration Settings:
  
  Navigate to the configuration settings for document retention in SAP. This is usually found under the Financial Accounting (FI) module.
  Look for the settings related to retention periods and ensure that the minimum number of retention days is set to a positive integer (e.g., 1 or more).
  
  
  
  Modify Retention Period:
  
  If you find that the retention period is set to zero or a negative number, change it to a valid positive number.
  Save the changes and exit the configuration.
  
  
  
  Validate Data Entry:
  
  If the error occurred during data entry, review the input values for any transactions or settings that may have been incorrectly entered.
  Correct any invalid entries and try to process the transaction again.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on retention settings and their implications.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, perform a test to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that the system behaves as expected.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that the user making the changes has the appropriate permissions to modify retention settings.
  System Version: Be aware that the steps may vary slightly depending on the version of SAP you are using (e.g., SAP ECC, SAP S/4HANA).
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant for further assistance.