How To Fix PO166 - Character number & already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 166

• Message text: Character number & already exists

What causes this issue?

The character number cannot be added to the list as it already exists.

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?

Press Enter and then add another character number.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO166 - Character number & already exists ?

  The SAP error message PO166 ("Character number & already exists") typically occurs when there is an attempt to create or modify a character string (such as a material number, vendor number, or other identifiers) that already exists in the system. This can happen in various contexts, such as when creating purchase orders, materials, or other master data.
  Cause:
  
  
  Duplicate Entry: The most common cause of this error is that the character string you are trying to enter already exists in the database. This could be due to:
  
  A previous entry that was not deleted or modified.
  An attempt to create a new entry with the same identifier as an existing one.
  
  
  
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be duplicates that were not properly handled.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: Sometimes, the configuration settings in SAP may allow for certain entries to be duplicated, leading to conflicts.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Entries: 
  
  Before creating a new entry, check the existing records in the relevant table or transaction to see if the character number already exists.
  Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to view the relevant database tables.
  
  
  
  Modify or Delete Existing Entry: 
  
  If you find that the character number already exists and it is not needed, consider deleting or modifying the existing entry to resolve the conflict.
  
  
  
  Use a Unique Identifier: 
  
  If you are creating a new entry, ensure that you are using a unique identifier that does not conflict with existing entries.
  
  
  
  Data Cleansing: 
  
  If this issue arises from data migration, perform data cleansing to remove duplicates and ensure that all entries are unique.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator for specific guidelines related to the module you are working with.
  
  
  
  Error Handling in Custom Programs: 
  
  If this error occurs in a custom program, ensure that the program includes proper error handling to check for existing entries before attempting to create new ones.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), and SE16 (Data Browser) for checking existing records.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify the entries in question.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.