How To Fix GC169 - Posting previous period shares: please enter doc. type

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GC - Error Messages for Consolidation/Extended General Ledger

• Message number: 169

• Message text: Posting previous period shares: please enter doc. type

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 GC169 - Posting previous period shares: please enter doc. type ?

  The SAP error message GC169, which states "Posting previous period shares: please enter doc. type," typically occurs in the context of financial postings, particularly when dealing with period-end closing activities or adjustments in SAP.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when you are trying to post a document for a previous period without specifying a document type. In SAP, document types are essential for categorizing financial transactions, and they determine how the system processes the entries. If the document type is not provided, the system cannot proceed with the posting.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Specify Document Type: When you are entering the transaction, ensure that you specify the appropriate document type for the posting. This can usually be done in the document entry screen where you are entering the financial transaction.
  
  
  Check Configuration: If you are unsure about which document type to use, consult with your SAP configuration team or refer to your organization's documentation to identify the correct document type for the transaction you are trying to post.
  
  
  Review User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to post documents of the specified type. Sometimes, restrictions in user roles can lead to issues in posting.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: If the issue persists, check for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that might address this specific error. SAP frequently releases updates that can resolve known issues.
  
  
  Testing in a Sandbox Environment: If possible, try to replicate the issue in a sandbox environment to understand the exact conditions under which the error occurs. This can help in troubleshooting and finding a solution.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. Provide them with the error message details and the steps you have taken to troubleshoot.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Document Types in SAP: Document types in SAP are used to differentiate between various types of financial transactions (e.g., invoices, credit memos, etc.). Each document type has specific settings that control how the system processes the transaction.
  Period-End Closing: The error may be more common during period-end closing activities when adjustments to previous periods are being made. Ensure that all necessary configurations for period-end closing are correctly set up.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes (e.g., FB50 for general ledger postings) that you might be using when encountering this error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the GC169 error and successfully post your transactions.