How To Fix FMSHERLOCK016 - Document &: Error when accessing database

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FMSHERLOCK -

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Document &: Error when accessing database

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 FMSHERLOCK016 - Document &: Error when accessing database ?

  The SAP error message FMSHERLOCK016 typically indicates that there is an issue when accessing the database for a specific document. This error can arise from various underlying causes, and addressing it usually involves a few steps to diagnose and resolve the issue.
  Possible Causes:
  
  Database Connectivity Issues: There may be a problem with the connection between the SAP application and the database server.
  Database Locking: The document you are trying to access may be locked by another process or user, preventing access.
  Data Corruption: There could be corruption in the database that is affecting the specific document.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to access the document in question.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system or database can lead to access problems.
  Performance Issues: High load on the database server can lead to timeouts or failures in accessing data.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Database Connectivity:
  
  Ensure that the database server is up and running.
  Verify network connectivity between the SAP application server and the database server.
  
  
  
  Check for Locks:
  
  Use transaction codes like SM12 to check for any locks on the document.
  If a lock is found, determine if it can be released or if the process holding the lock can be terminated.
  
  
  
  Review Authorizations:
  
  Check the user’s authorizations using transaction SU53 to see if there are any missing permissions related to the document.
  
  
  
  Database Health Check:
  
  Perform a health check on the database to identify any corruption or issues.
  Use database-specific tools to check for integrity and consistency.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Ensure that the SAP system and database configurations are correct and aligned with best practices.
  
  
  
  Monitor Performance:
  
  Check the performance of the database server to ensure it is not overloaded.
  Consider optimizing queries or increasing resources if necessary.
  
  
  
  Consult Logs:
  
  Review the SAP application logs (transaction SLG1) and database logs for any additional error messages or warnings that could provide more context.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SM21 (System Log), ST22 (Dump Analysis), and SLG1 (Application Log) for troubleshooting.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide patches.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for best practices on database management and troubleshooting.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement a suitable solution.