How To Fix M&104 - The variant already exists and will be overwritten

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M& -

• Message number: 104

• Message text: The variant already exists and will be overwritten

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 M&104 - The variant already exists and will be overwritten ?

  The SAP error message M&104, which states "The variant already exists and will be overwritten," typically occurs when you are trying to create or save a variant (a saved set of parameters for a report or transaction) that has the same name as an existing variant. This can happen in various SAP transactions, especially when dealing with reports or data selection screens.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Variant Name: You are attempting to create a new variant with a name that already exists in the system.
  User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to create a new variant or modify an existing one.
  System Settings: Certain system settings may enforce restrictions on variant naming or overwriting.
  
  Solution:
  
  Rename the Variant: If you want to keep both variants, choose a different name for the new variant you are trying to create.
  Overwrite the Existing Variant: If you intend to update the existing variant, confirm that you want to overwrite it. This usually involves selecting an option to confirm the overwrite when prompted.
  Check User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create or modify variants. If not, contact your SAP administrator.
  Review Existing Variants: Before creating a new variant, check the list of existing variants to see if you can modify an existing one instead of creating a new one.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: This error can occur in various transaction codes where variants are used, such as SE38 (ABAP Editor), SA38 (Execute Report), or others.
  Variant Management: Familiarize yourself with the variant management features in SAP, which allow you to create, modify, and delete variants.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on variant management and best practices for naming conventions.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error.