How To Fix FR023 - A reference with long text &1 already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FR - Messages for FI Reporting

• Message number: 023

• Message text: A reference with long text &1 already exists

What causes this issue?

You want to create a reference with long text &V1&. However, reference
&V2& already exists with this long text. If you use these references,
it is therefore difficult to distinguish between the two.

System Response

This is a warning message.

How to fix this error?

If you want to create an additional reference with long text &V1&, you
can ignore this warning. Otherwise, define a different long text for
reference &V3&.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FR023 - A reference with long text &1 already exists ?

  The SAP error message FR023, which states "A reference with long text &1 already exists," typically occurs in the context of managing long texts in SAP, particularly when dealing with master data or transactional data that allows for long text entries. This error indicates that there is an attempt to create or modify a long text entry that already exists in the system.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the following scenarios:
  
  Duplicate Long Text Entry: You are trying to create a long text entry that has the same identifier or reference as an existing one. SAP does not allow duplicate long text entries for the same reference.
  Incorrect Data Entry: There may be a mistake in the data entry process, leading to an attempt to create a long text that is already present.
  System Configuration: There might be specific configurations or settings in the SAP system that enforce unique long text entries.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the FR023 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Long Texts: 
  
  Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE78 (SAP ArchiveLink) to check if a long text with the same reference already exists.
  You can also use the relevant transaction for the object you are working with to view existing long texts.
  
  
  
  Modify Existing Long Text:
  
  If a long text with the same reference exists, consider modifying the existing entry instead of creating a new one. This can often be done through the same transaction where you encountered the error.
  
  
  
  Delete Duplicate Entry:
  
  If the existing long text is no longer needed, you may delete it (if you have the necessary permissions) to allow the creation of the new long text.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to long texts for the specific module you are working with. This can provide insights into how long texts are managed and any constraints that may apply.
  
  
  
  Check User Permissions:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create or modify long texts in the system. Sometimes, restrictions can lead to unexpected errors.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They can provide more detailed insights based on your specific system configuration.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for managing long texts, such as SO10 (Text Management) or SE61 (Maintain Texts).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to long text management that might address this error.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to manage long texts properly to avoid duplication and related errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the FR023 error and manage long texts effectively in your SAP system.