How To Fix INST_MSG818 - Step & still active: wait for completion

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: INST_MSG - Messages for Installation Post-Processing

• Message number: 818

• Message text: Step & still active: wait for completion

What causes this issue?

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

System Response

A step or a chain of steps can only be executed if none of the steps
that are predecessors are active (or scheduled).

How to fix this error?

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 INST_MSG818 - Step & still active: wait for completion ?

  The SAP error message "INST_MSG818 Step & still active: wait for completion" typically indicates that a particular step in a background job or process is still running and has not yet completed. This message is often encountered in the context of job scheduling, data processing, or system administration tasks.
  Cause:
  
  Long-Running Process: The step may be taking longer than expected due to a large volume of data, complex processing logic, or resource contention.
  Deadlock or Locking Issues: The process may be waiting for a resource that is locked by another process, leading to a deadlock situation.
  System Performance Issues: High system load or insufficient resources (CPU, memory, I/O) can slow down the execution of the job.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings for the job or the system can lead to unexpected behavior.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait for Completion: If the process is still running, the simplest solution is to wait for it to complete. Monitor the job status in transaction codes like SM37 (Job Monitoring) or SM50 (Process Overview).
  Check Job Logs: Review the job logs for any error messages or warnings that might indicate why the job is taking longer than expected.
  Analyze Performance: Use transaction ST22 (Dump Analysis) or SM21 (System Log) to check for any dumps or system logs that might provide insight into performance issues.
  Check for Locks: Use transaction SM12 to check for any locks that might be preventing the job from completing. If you find locks that are no longer needed, you can release them.
  Adjust Job Parameters: If the job is consistently taking too long, consider adjusting its parameters, such as batch size or execution frequency.
  System Resources: Ensure that the system has adequate resources. If necessary, consider optimizing the system or upgrading hardware.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot determine the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM37: Job Monitoring
  SM50: Process Overview
  ST22: Dump Analysis
  SM21: System Log
  SM12: Lock Entries
  
  
  Performance Tuning: Regularly monitor and tune system performance to prevent long-running jobs.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Notes and documentation for specific guidance related to the job or process you are working with.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issue related to the "INST_MSG818 Step & still active: wait for completion" error message.