How To Fix G01266 - Changing the period category is not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: G01 - SAP Consolidation

• Message number: 266

• Message text: Changing the period category is not possible

<LS>&CAUSE&</>
Under <LS>Old Values</> you specified for <LS>Period category:
enterability/validation</> a different value than the one under <LS>New
Values</>. This combination is invalid.

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?

Here is an example of validation for a simple explanation of the
necessary procedure. You can use the same steps for <LS>Rollup cons
unit</> <LS>enterable</> as well.
Choose one of the following scenarios that best fits your situation:
Scenario 1: Assignment of a validation with a new period category
<ZH>Current Situation: No validation is assigned to the cons group</>
Task: Assign the validation <ZH>01-CS01</> for period category <ZH>1
</>
RESET N1
Under <LS>New Values</> for <LS>Period category:
enterability/validation
</>, enter period category <LB>1</>.
Under <LS>New Values</> for Validation Consolidated Values, enter the
validation <LB>01-CS01</>.
Choose <PF>Execute</>.
<ZH>Current Situation: The validation 01-CS01 is assigned to the cons
group with period category 1</>
Task: Assign the validation <ZH>11-CS01</> for period category <ZH>2
</>
RESET N1
Under <LS>Old Values</> for <LS>Period category:
enterability/validation</>, enter period category <LB>2</>.
Under <LS>New Values</> for <LS>Period category:
enterability/validation
</>, enter period category <LB>2</>.
Under <LS>New Values</> for <LS>Validation of Consolidated Values
</>, enter validation <LB>11-CS01</>.
Choose <PF>Execute</>.
Scenario 2: Change of the Validation for an already assigned period
category
<ZH>Current Situation: The validation 01-CS01 is assigned to the cons
group with period category 1</>
Task: Assign the validation <ZH>11-CS01</> for period category <ZH>1
</>
RESET N1
Under <LS>Old Values</> for <LS>Period category:
enterability/validation</>, enter period category <LB>1</>.
Under <LS>New Values</> for <LS>Period category:
enterability/validation</>, enter period category <LB>1</>.
Under <LS>New Values</> for <LS>Validation of Consolidated Values</>,
enter validation <LB>11-CS01</>.
Choose <PF>Execute</>.
Scenario 3: Change of the assigned period category
<ZH>Current Situation: The validation 01-CS01 is assigned to the cons
group with period category 1</>
Task: Assign validation <ZH>01-CS01</> for period category <ZH>2</>
RESET N1
Under <LS>Old Values</> for <LS>Period category:
enterability/validation</>, enter period category <LB>1</>.
Under <LS>New Values</> for <LS>Period category:
enterability/validation</>, select the indicator <LS>Delete old value
</> for parameter <LS>Validation of Consolidated Values</>.
Under <LS>New Values</> for <LS>Validation of Consolidated Values</>,
enter the validation <LB>01-CS01</>.
Choose <PF>Execute</>.
Interim Result: The assignment of validation <ZH>01-CS01</> with period
category <ZH>1</> is deleted for the cons group.
Under <LS>Old Values</> for <LS>Period category:
enterability/validation</>, enter period category <LB>2</>.
Under <LS>New Values</> for <LS>Period category:
enterability/validation</>, enter period category <LB>2</>.
Under <LS>New Values</> for <LS>Validation of Consolidated Values</>,
enter validation <LB>01-CS01</>.
Choose <PF>Execute</>.
Final Result: Validation <LB>01-CS01</> with period category <LB>2</>
is now assigned for the cons group.

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 G01266 - Changing the period category is not possible ?

  The SAP error message G01266, which states "Changing the period category is not possible," typically occurs when there is an attempt to change the period category of a financial period that is already closed or has been used in transactions. This error is common in the context of financial accounting and controlling modules in SAP.
  Cause:
  
  Closed Periods: The period you are trying to change is already closed for posting. In SAP, once a financial period is closed, it is generally not allowed to change its characteristics, including the period category.
  Transactions Posted: If there are transactions that have already been posted in that period, changing the period category could lead to inconsistencies in financial reporting.
  Configuration Settings: The system settings may restrict changes to period categories for certain periods based on company policies or configuration settings.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Period Status: Verify if the period you are trying to change is indeed closed. You can do this by checking the period status in the financial accounting module.
  Open the Period: If you need to change the period category, you may need to open the period again. This can be done through the transaction code OB52 (Maintain Periods) if your user role allows it. However, be cautious as this may affect financial reporting.
  Consult with Finance Team: Before making changes, consult with your finance team or SAP administrator to ensure that changing the period category is necessary and will not disrupt financial reporting.
  Use a New Period: If changing the period category is not possible, consider creating a new period with the desired category and posting transactions there instead.
  Review Configuration: If this is a recurring issue, review the configuration settings in the SAP system to ensure they align with your business processes.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as OB52 (for maintaining periods) and OBA7 (for managing period control).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files related to financial period management for more detailed guidance on handling periods and categories.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.