How To Fix PEP118 - The background job for program &1 could not be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PEP - Schedule Manager: Messages

• Message number: 118

• Message text: The background job for program &1 could not be deleted

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

An error occurred when trying to delete the scheduled background job
program &V1&.

How to fix this error?

Use transaction SM37 to establish why the background job could not be
deleted. The job may already have been started or even completed.

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 PEP118 - The background job for program &1 could not be deleted ?

  The SAP error message PEP118 indicates that the system encountered an issue while trying to delete a background job for a specific program. This error can occur for various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution.
  Causes of PEP118
  
  Job Already Completed: The background job may have already completed its execution, and the system is unable to delete it.
  Job Not Found: The job you are trying to delete may not exist or may have already been deleted by another process.
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to delete the job may not have the necessary authorizations to perform this action.
  Job Status: The job may be in a status that does not allow deletion (e.g., it may be in a "running" or "scheduled" state).
  System Lock: There may be a lock on the job or the job management system that prevents deletion.
  
  Solutions
  
  Check Job Status: Use transaction code SM37 to check the status of the background job. Ensure that the job is not currently running or in a state that prevents deletion.
  Verify Job Existence: Confirm that the job you are trying to delete actually exists in the system. If it has already been deleted or completed, you will not be able to delete it again.
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to delete background jobs. You may need to contact your SAP security administrator if you suspect authorization issues.
  Use Correct Transaction: Make sure you are using the correct transaction or program to delete the job. Sometimes, using the wrong method can lead to errors.
  System Lock: If there is a system lock, you may need to wait until the lock is released or contact your system administrator for assistance.
  Job Deletion via Program: If you are trying to delete the job programmatically, ensure that the code is correct and that you are handling exceptions properly.
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SM37: Monitor background jobs.
  SM36: Define background job.
  SM50: Monitor active processes.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to background job management. You can search for relevant notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  
  
  Logs and Traces: Review system logs and traces for any additional error messages or information that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.