How To Fix KH171 - Read modes 3, 4 and 5 are only allowed when printing

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KH - CO-PA Reporting

• Message number: 171

• Message text: Read modes 3, 4 and 5 are only allowed when printing

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 KH171 - Read modes 3, 4 and 5 are only allowed when printing ?

  The SAP error message KH171 indicates that certain read modes (specifically modes 3, 4, and 5) are only permitted when printing. This error typically arises in the context of SAP's reporting and output management, particularly when dealing with the display of data in certain formats or when trying to execute a report that is not set up for the specified read mode.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because the system is trying to access or display data in a way that is not supported for the selected read mode. Modes 3, 4, and 5 are generally associated with specific output formats that are intended for printing rather than for display on the screen. If you attempt to use these modes in a context that does not support them (like a screen display), the system will throw this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve the KH171 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Output Mode: Ensure that you are using the correct output mode for your report or transaction. If you are trying to display data on the screen, switch to a read mode that is compatible with screen display (usually mode 1 or 2).
  
  
  Change the Print Settings: If you intend to print the report, ensure that the print settings are correctly configured. You may need to set the output to a printer or a print preview.
  
  
  Review Report Configuration: If you are developing or customizing a report, check the report configuration to ensure that it is set up to handle the desired read modes appropriately.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on the read modes and their intended use cases.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot determine the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Read Modes: In SAP, read modes determine how data is accessed and displayed. Modes 1 and 2 are typically used for display purposes, while modes 3, 4, and 5 are used for printing.
  SAP Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that may help in troubleshooting or configuring reports (e.g., SE38 for report execution, SE80 for development).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to the specific transaction or report you are working with, as they may provide additional insights or patches.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the KH171 error and successfully execute your report or transaction in SAP.