How To Fix OA188 - No printing is possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: OA - SAP ArchiveLink: Messages for SAP ArchiveLink

• Message number: 188

• Message text: No printing is possible

What causes this issue?

It is not possible to print from the printer you have selected.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Please use printer &V1& or a different printer of device type &V2&.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message OA188 - No printing is possible ?

  The SAP error message OA188 "No printing is possible" typically indicates that there is an issue with the printing configuration or setup in the SAP system. Here are some common causes, solutions, and related information for this error:
  Causes:
  
  Printer Configuration Issues: The printer may not be correctly configured in the SAP system or may not be defined at all.
  Printer Status: The printer could be offline, out of paper, or experiencing hardware issues.
  User Authorization: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to print.
  Output Device Settings: The output device settings in the user profile or the print job may not be correctly set.
  Network Issues: There may be network connectivity issues preventing communication with the printer.
  Spool Request Issues: The spool request may have errors or may not have been created properly.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Printer Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction code SPAD (Spool Administration) and verify that the printer is correctly configured.
  Ensure that the printer is defined and active.
  
  
  
  Verify Printer Status:
  
  Check the physical printer to ensure it is powered on, connected, and has paper and ink/toner.
  You can also check the printer status in SPAD.
  
  
  
  User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to print. This can be checked in transaction SU01 (User Maintenance).
  
  
  
  Output Device Settings:
  
  Check the output device settings in the user profile (transaction SU3) or in the print job settings to ensure they are correct.
  
  
  
  Network Connectivity:
  
  Verify that there are no network issues preventing the SAP system from communicating with the printer.
  
  
  
  Check Spool Requests:
  
  Use transaction SP01 to check the status of the spool requests. Look for any errors or issues with the requests.
  
  
  
  Test Print:
  
  Try to perform a test print from the SAP system to see if the issue persists.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SPAD: Spool Administration
  SP01: Spool Request Management
  SU01: User Maintenance
  SU3: User Profile Maintenance
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to printing issues for any specific patches or updates that may address known issues.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on printer configuration and troubleshooting.
  
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to consult with your SAP Basis team or technical support for further assistance.