How To Fix GHO_BO049 - External ID already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GHO_BO -

• Message number: 049

• Message text: External ID already exists

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 GHO_BO049 - External ID already exists ?

  The SAP error message GHO_BO049, which states "External ID already exists," typically occurs in the context of data management within SAP systems, particularly when dealing with Business Objects or similar data integration scenarios. This error indicates that the system is trying to create or register an external ID that already exists in the database, leading to a conflict.
  Causes:
  
  Duplicate External ID: The most common cause is that the external ID you are trying to create or register is already present in the system.
  Data Migration Issues: If you are migrating data from another system, there may be conflicts with existing IDs.
  Incorrect Data Entry: Manual entry errors can lead to attempts to create duplicate IDs.
  Integration Issues: If multiple systems are trying to create or update records simultaneously, it can lead to conflicts.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Existing Records: Before creating a new record, check the database or system to see if the external ID already exists. You can use transaction codes or queries to search for the ID.
  Use a Unique Identifier: Ensure that the external ID you are trying to create is unique. If necessary, modify the ID to avoid duplication.
  Data Cleanup: If duplicates exist due to data migration or entry errors, consider cleaning up the data to remove or consolidate duplicates.
  Error Handling in Integration: If this error arises during data integration, implement error handling to manage conflicts gracefully, such as skipping duplicates or logging them for review.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or support resources for specific guidelines related to the module or functionality you are working with.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  System Logs: Review system logs for additional context or related errors that may provide more insight into the issue.
  User Permissions: Ensure that the user attempting to create the external ID has the necessary permissions to do so.
  Testing Environment: If possible, replicate the issue in a testing environment to better understand the cause and test potential solutions without affecting production data.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal IT team for further assistance.