How To Fix IM884 - Header information defined externally is not supported with Copy function

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IM - Maintenance notifications

• Message number: 884

• Message text: Header information defined externally is not supported with Copy function

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 IM884 - Header information defined externally is not supported with Copy function ?

  The SAP error message IM884 ("Header information defined externally is not supported with Copy function") typically occurs when you are trying to use the Copy function in a transaction or process that involves external header information, which is not supported by the system.
  Cause:
  The error arises when the system detects that the header information for the document or transaction you are trying to copy is defined externally (for example, through an external system or interface) and the Copy function does not support this type of header information. This can happen in various contexts, such as when copying a maintenance order, production order, or other documents that have a header and item structure.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Check Header Information: Review the header information of the document you are trying to copy. Ensure that it is not defined externally. If it is, you may need to create a new document manually instead of using the Copy function.
  
  
  Use Alternative Methods: If copying is not supported due to external header definitions, look for alternative methods to achieve your goal. This could involve:
  
  Manually creating a new document based on the existing one.
  Using a different transaction or function that allows for the copying of documents with external headers.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources specific to the transaction you are using. There may be specific guidelines or limitations regarding the use of the Copy function with external header information.
  
  
  Check Customizations: If your SAP system has custom developments or enhancements, check if any of these are affecting the behavior of the Copy function. You may need to consult with your SAP development team.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal. There may be specific notes addressing this error or providing additional guidance.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot find a resolution, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance. Provide them with details about the error, the context in which it occurs, and any relevant configurations.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error can occur in various transaction codes depending on the context (e.g., IW31 for creating maintenance orders, CO01 for production orders).
  SAP Version: Ensure that you are aware of the specific version of SAP you are using, as behavior may vary between versions.
  User Permissions: Check if the user has the necessary permissions to perform the Copy function, as restrictions may also lead to errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the IM884 error and proceed with your tasks in SAP.