How To Fix FG504 - It is only possible to make this reference to an existing archive key

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FG - Program Error Messages

• Message number: 504

• Message text: It is only possible to make this reference to an existing archive key

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FG504 - It is only possible to make this reference to an existing archive key ?

  The SAP error message FG504, which states "It is only possible to make this reference to an existing archive key," typically occurs in the context of document management or archiving processes within SAP. This error indicates that the system is trying to reference an archive key that does not exist or is not valid in the current context.
  Cause:
  
  Non-Existent Archive Key: The archive key you are trying to reference does not exist in the database or has been deleted.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be a configuration issue in the archiving settings or the document management system.
  Data Inconsistency: There could be inconsistencies in the data, such as missing entries in the archive tables.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to access the archive key.
  
  Solution:
  
  Verify Archive Key: Check if the archive key you are trying to reference actually exists. You can do this by querying the relevant archive tables or using transaction codes like SARA (Archive Administration) to view archived documents.
  Check Configuration: Review the archiving configuration settings to ensure they are set up correctly. This includes checking the object settings and ensuring that the archiving process has been executed properly.
  Data Consistency Check: Run consistency checks on the archive data to identify any discrepancies. You can use transaction codes like SARA or other relevant tools to perform these checks.
  User Authorization: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the archive key. You may need to consult with your SAP security team to verify and adjust user roles and permissions.
  Re-archive if Necessary: If the archive key is indeed missing, you may need to re-archive the relevant documents to generate a new archive key.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to archiving, such as SARA (for archiving administration), SARI (for archiving information), and SARCH (for searching archived documents).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP Notes can provide additional insights or solutions specific to your version of SAP.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on archiving and document management for best practices and troubleshooting steps.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or technical team for further investigation.