How To Fix PO436 - The action was applied from format &1 of device type &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 436

• Message text: The action was applied from format &1 of device type &2

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO436 - The action was applied from format &1 of device type &2 ?

  The SAP error message PO436 indicates that an action was attempted on a device type that is not compatible with the specified format. This error typically arises in the context of printing or output management within SAP systems.
  Cause:
  The error message PO436 is usually caused by one of the following issues:
  
  Incompatible Device Type: The device type specified does not support the format being used. For example, if you are trying to print a document in a format that the printer cannot handle, this error may occur.
  Incorrect Configuration: The printer or output device may not be configured correctly in the SAP system, leading to a mismatch between the expected format and the actual capabilities of the device.
  Missing or Incorrect Print Driver: The print driver associated with the device type may be missing or incorrectly set up, causing the system to fail when trying to process the output.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the PO436 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Device Type Configuration:
  
  Go to the SAP transaction SPAD (Spool Administration).
  Verify the configuration of the output device in question. Ensure that the device type is correctly assigned and that it supports the format you are trying to use.
  
  
  
  Review Output Format:
  
  Ensure that the output format (e.g., PDF, PCL, etc.) is compatible with the device type. You may need to change the output format to one that is supported by the printer.
  
  
  
  Update or Install Print Drivers:
  
  If the print driver is missing or outdated, install or update the necessary drivers for the printer. Ensure that the drivers are compatible with the SAP system and the printer model.
  
  
  
  Test Printing:
  
  After making changes, perform a test print to verify that the issue has been resolved. You can do this by printing a simple document to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to the SAP documentation or the printer manufacturer's documentation for specific details on supported formats and configurations.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal IT support team for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: SPAD (Spool Administration), SP01 (Spool Request), and SP02 (Output Controller) can be useful for managing and troubleshooting print issues.
  Device Types: Device types in SAP define how data is formatted for printing. Ensure that the correct device type is assigned to the printer in question.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to the PO436 error or the device type you are using.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the PO436 error in your SAP system.