How To Fix PO212 - Device type & is already in use

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 212

• Message text: Device type & is already in use

What causes this issue?

This device type cannot be deleted because it is used in other tables.

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?

To delete this device type, proceed as follows:
-- Press F3 to return to the list of device types.
-- Call the delete function again. You will then see a list of tables,
in which this device type is used.
-- Delete the device type from these tables before deleting it from
the list of device types.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO212 - Device type & is already in use ?

  The SAP error message PO212, which states "Device type & is already in use," typically occurs when there is an attempt to use a printer or device that is currently being utilized by another process or user. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when multiple users try to print simultaneously to the same printer or when a print job is still being processed.
  Causes:
  
  Concurrent Usage: The printer or device is already being used by another user or job.
  Print Job Stuck: A previous print job may be stuck in the queue, preventing new jobs from being processed.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration of the printer settings in SAP or the underlying operating system.
  Network Issues: If the printer is networked, there may be connectivity issues that cause it to appear as in use.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Print Queue: 
  
  Go to the print queue on the server or the printer itself and check if there are any jobs that are stuck or currently being processed. Clear any stuck jobs if necessary.
  
  
  
  Wait and Retry: 
  
  If the printer is being used by another user, wait for the current job to finish and then try printing again.
  
  
  
  Restart Printer: 
  
  Sometimes, simply restarting the printer can resolve the issue, especially if it is a network printer.
  
  
  
  Check User Sessions: 
  
  Ensure that no other sessions are trying to print to the same device. You can check this in the SAP system by looking at the spool requests.
  
  
  
  Review Device Configuration: 
  
  Verify the configuration of the printer in SAP (transaction SPAD). Ensure that the device type and settings are correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Check for Locks: 
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for any locks on the printer device. If there are locks that are no longer needed, they can be deleted.
  
  
  
  Contact IT Support: 
  
  If the issue persists, it may be necessary to contact your IT support team to investigate further, especially if it involves networked printers or server configurations.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SPAD: To manage and configure printers in SAP.
  SP01: To view spool requests and their statuses.
  SM12: To check for locks in the system.
  
  
  
  Device Types: Each printer has a specific device type in SAP that defines how data is formatted for printing. Ensure that the correct device type is assigned to the printer.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to printer management and error messages.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PO212 error and successfully print your documents.