How To Fix PO164 - No formats exist for device type &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 164

• Message text: No formats exist for device type &

What causes this issue?

There are no forms for this device type that can be deleted.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO164 - No formats exist for device type & ?

  The SAP error message PO164 ("No formats exist for device type &") typically occurs when the system is unable to find a suitable output format for the specified device type in the context of printing or outputting documents. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when trying to print a purchase order, invoice, or any other document.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Output Format: The specified device type does not have an associated output format defined in the SAP system.
  Incorrect Device Type: The device type specified in the print settings may not be correctly configured or may not exist in the system.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the output device or the associated print program.
  Transport Issues: If the configuration was recently transported from another system, it may not have been set up correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Device Type Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction code SPAD (Spool Administration).
  Check the list of output devices and ensure that the device type specified in the error message exists and is correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Define Output Format:
  
  If the output format is missing, you may need to create or assign an appropriate output format for the device type.
  You can do this by going to transaction code SPAD, selecting the device type, and checking the associated output formats.
  
  
  
  Check Print Program:
  
  Ensure that the print program associated with the document you are trying to print is correctly configured to use the specified device type.
  You can check the print program in the output type configuration (transaction code NACE).
  
  
  
  Review Output Type Settings:
  
  Go to transaction code NACE and check the output type settings for the document type you are working with.
  Ensure that the output type is correctly configured to use the appropriate device type and output format.
  
  
  
  Test Printing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the printing functionality again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the configurations, refer to SAP documentation or consult with your SAP Basis or technical team for assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SPAD: Spool Administration
  NACE: Output Types
  
  
  Device Types: Device types are defined in the SAP system and determine how the output is formatted for different printers.
  Output Formats: Output formats define how the data is structured when sent to the printer, including layout and design.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with SAP support or your internal SAP team for further troubleshooting.