How To Fix G0166 - Action not possible because documents with doc type &1 still exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: G0 - Messages for SAP Consolidation

• Message number: 166

• Message text: Action not possible because documents with doc type &1 still exist

What causes this issue?

Documents still exist with document type &V1& with posting level &V2&.
To avoid data inconsistency between totals records and documents, the
activity is cancelled.

System Response

Totals records of documents can only be copied if NO documents exist in
the target version.

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?

Narrow down the selection of document types.

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 G0166 - Action not possible because documents with doc type &1 still exist ?

  The SAP error message G0166, which states "Action not possible because documents with doc type &1 still exist," typically occurs when you are trying to perform an action (such as deleting or archiving) on a document type that still has associated documents in the system. This is a common issue in SAP when dealing with document management, financial transactions, or any module that involves document processing.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered because:
  
  There are still active documents of the specified document type (&1) in the system.
  The action you are trying to perform (like deletion or archiving) is not allowed while there are still dependent documents present.
  The document type may have certain dependencies or relationships with other documents that prevent the action from being completed.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Existing Documents:
  
  Use transaction codes like SE16N or SE11 to check the database tables related to the document type in question. Common tables include BKPF (Accounting Document Header) or BSEG (Accounting Document Segment).
  You can also use specific transaction codes related to the module you are working with to list documents of that type.
  
  
  
  Review Dependencies:
  
  Check if there are any dependent documents or transactions that are linked to the document type. This may include open invoices, purchase orders, or other related documents.
  
  
  
  Clear or Process Existing Documents:
  
  If you find existing documents that are preventing the action, you may need to process, delete, or archive them first, depending on your business requirements.
  Ensure that all necessary approvals and business processes are followed before deleting or archiving documents.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to the specific module you are working with for any additional guidelines on handling document types.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform the action you are attempting. Sometimes, lack of permissions can also lead to similar error messages.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for document management in your specific SAP module.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Documentation: Review the SAP Help Portal for detailed information on document types and their management.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the G0166 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.