How To Fix KH517 - The display length was changed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KH - CO-PA Reporting

• Message number: 517

• Message text: The display length was changed

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KH517 - The display length was changed ?

  The SAP error message KH517, which states "The display length was changed," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Controlling (CO) module, particularly when dealing with master data or when displaying certain fields in reports or transactions. This error indicates that the display length of a field has been modified, which can lead to inconsistencies or issues in how data is presented or processed.
  Cause:
  
  Field Length Changes: The display length of a field in the database or in the configuration has been altered, which can happen during system upgrades, changes in configuration settings, or modifications to data elements.
  Inconsistent Data: If the data in the database does not conform to the new display length settings, it can trigger this error.
  Custom Developments: Custom programs or enhancements that reference the field with the changed display length may also lead to this error if they are not updated accordingly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings for the relevant field in the SAP system. Ensure that the display length is set correctly and is consistent with the data type and expected input.
  Data Consistency: Verify that the data stored in the database complies with the new display length. If necessary, clean up or adjust the data to fit the new specifications.
  Update Custom Code: If there are any custom programs or reports that reference the field, ensure that they are updated to accommodate the new display length.
  Transport Requests: If the change was made in a development environment, ensure that the transport requests are correctly moved to the production environment, and that all related objects are included.
  Consult Documentation: Check SAP notes or documentation related to the specific version of SAP you are using, as there may be specific recommendations or patches available.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide guidance on handling display length changes.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check the field definitions and display lengths.
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider using the debugging tools in SAP to trace where the error is occurring and gather more context about the problem.
  
  If the issue continues after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support or consult with a technical expert familiar with your specific SAP environment.