How To Fix INDEXING218 - Changes result in affected indexes becoming unusable

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: INDEXING - Messages that Occur During Indexing

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Changes result in affected indexes becoming unusable

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 INDEXING218 - Changes result in affected indexes becoming unusable ?

  The SAP error message INDEXING218 indicates that changes made to a database table have resulted in affected indexes becoming unusable. This typically occurs when there are structural changes to the table, such as adding or dropping columns, or when data modifications violate the integrity of the indexes.
  Causes:
  
  Structural Changes: Modifications to the table structure (e.g., adding or removing columns) can lead to indexes becoming invalid.
  Data Integrity Issues: If the data being inserted or updated violates the constraints defined by the indexes, it can cause the indexes to become unusable.
  Database Maintenance: Certain maintenance operations, such as reorganizing or rebuilding indexes, can also lead to this error if not handled properly.
  Corruption: In rare cases, index corruption due to hardware issues or software bugs can lead to this error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Rebuild the Indexes: The most common solution is to rebuild the affected indexes. This can usually be done through the database management tools or SQL commands. In SAP, you can use transaction codes like SE14 (Database Utility) to manage indexes.
  
  
  Check for Data Integrity: Ensure that the data being inserted or updated complies with the constraints defined by the indexes. You may need to clean up the data or adjust the constraints.
  
  
  Analyze the Table: Use the database's analysis tools to check for any issues with the table or indexes. This can help identify the root cause of the problem.
  
  
  Database Administration: If the issue persists, consult with your database administrator (DBA) to perform a more in-depth analysis and possibly run repair utilities specific to your database system.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SE14 (Database Utility) and SE11 (Data Dictionary) for managing database objects.
  Database-Specific Tools: Depending on the database (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server, HANA), there may be specific tools or commands to rebuild indexes or analyze tables.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to database management and index handling for best practices and troubleshooting steps.
  
  Preventive Measures:
  
  Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance tasks for your database to ensure indexes are kept in good condition.
  Monitoring: Implement monitoring to catch issues early, such as alerts for index fragmentation or performance degradation.
  Testing Changes: Before making structural changes to tables, test them in a development environment to assess their impact on indexes.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the INDEXING218 error and prevent it from occurring in the future.