How To Fix ILM_STOR121 - URI &1 cannot be deleted because the element has expiration date &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ILM_STOR -

• Message number: 121

• Message text: URI &1 cannot be deleted because the element has expiration date &2

What causes this issue?

An element is protected by an expiration date that is today or in the
future.

System Response

The element is not deleted.

How to fix this error?

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

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 ILM_STOR121 - URI &1 cannot be deleted because the element has expiration date &2 ?

  The SAP error message ILM_STOR121 indicates that a specific data element cannot be deleted because it has an expiration date associated with it. This is typically related to the Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) functionality in SAP, which is used to manage the lifecycle of data, including retention and deletion policies.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when you attempt to delete a data element (such as an archive object or a data record) that has a defined expiration date. The expiration date indicates that the data is still within its retention period and cannot be deleted until that period has expired. This is a safeguard to ensure compliance with data retention policies and regulations.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Expiration Date: Review the expiration date associated with the data element. You can do this by accessing the relevant ILM object or using transaction codes related to ILM.
  
  
  Wait for Expiration: If the expiration date is still in the future, you will need to wait until the expiration date has passed before attempting to delete the data element again.
  
  
  Adjust Retention Period: If you have the necessary authorizations and it is appropriate to do so, you may consider adjusting the retention period for the data element. This can be done through the ILM configuration settings, but be cautious as this may have compliance implications.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for ILM to understand the specific policies and configurations that apply to your system.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unsure about the implications of changing retention settings or if you believe there is an error in the expiration date, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ILM Configuration: Familiarize yourself with the ILM configuration settings in your SAP system, including retention policies and how they are applied to different data objects.
  Transaction Codes: Common transaction codes related to ILM include SARA (Archive Administration), ILM Configuration, and ILM Object Management.
  Compliance: Understand the legal and compliance requirements related to data retention in your industry, as this will guide your decisions regarding data deletion and retention policies.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the ILM_STOR121 error and manage your data elements appropriately within the SAP system.