How To Fix PO238 - Output device "&" not known

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 238

• Message text: Output device "&" not known

What causes this issue?

You entered a printer name that has not been defined in the SAP System.

System Response

Print request not submitted.

How to fix this error?

You can change or correct the printer name. To select from the
printers that have been defined, press the arrow next to the printer
name field.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO238 - Output device "&" not known ?

  The SAP error message PO238, which states "Output device '&' not known," typically occurs when the system cannot recognize the specified output device in the print configuration. This can happen for various reasons, such as the output device not being defined in the system, incorrect device name, or issues with the printer configuration.
  Causes:
  
  Undefined Output Device: The specified output device has not been defined in the SAP system.
  Typographical Error: There may be a typo in the output device name.
  Device Not Available: The output device may be offline or not connected to the network.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the specified output device.
  Configuration Issues: The output device may not be properly configured in the SAP system.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Output Device Definition:
  
  Go to transaction code SPAD (Spool Administration).
  In the "Output Devices" section, check if the output device is listed. If it is not, you will need to create it.
  
  
  
  Create or Modify Output Device:
  
  If the output device is missing, you can create it by clicking on "Output Devices" and then "Create."
  Ensure that you enter the correct device name and configure the necessary settings.
  
  
  
  Verify Device Name:
  
  Double-check the name of the output device in your print settings to ensure there are no typographical errors.
  
  
  
  Check Device Status:
  
  Ensure that the output device is online and properly connected. You can check the status in the same SPAD transaction.
  
  
  
  User Authorizations:
  
  Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the output device. This can be checked with the help of your SAP security team.
  
  
  
  Consult with Basis Team:
  
  If the issue persists, consult with your SAP Basis team to ensure that the printer is correctly configured and that there are no underlying system issues.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SPAD: Spool Administration
  SP01: Spool Request Overview (to check existing spool requests)
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on configuring output devices and troubleshooting printing issues.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to output devices and printing.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PO238 error and ensure that the output device is recognized by the SAP system.