How To Fix PT016 - Printer name "&" is invalid -> Cannot print spool request immediately

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PT - Messages for ABAP print functions

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Printer name "&" is invalid -> Cannot print spool request immediately

What causes this issue?

The specified printer name is invalid.

System Response

The system automatically stops immediate output of the spool request.
and stores it in the spool system.

How to fix this error?

Specify a valid printer name and run the request again.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PT016 - Printer name "&" is invalid -> Cannot print spool request immediately ?

  The SAP error message PT016, which states "Printer name '&' is invalid -> Cannot print spool request immediately," typically indicates that there is an issue with the printer configuration in the SAP system. Here are the potential causes, solutions, and related information for this error:
  Causes:
  
  Invalid Printer Name: The printer name specified in the print settings may not exist or is incorrectly configured in the SAP system.
  Printer Not Defined: The printer may not be defined in the SAP system or may not be assigned to the user or client.
  Network Issues: There may be network connectivity issues preventing the SAP system from accessing the printer.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the specified printer.
  Spool Configuration: The spool configuration settings may not be correctly set up for the printer.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Printer Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction code SPAD (Spool Administration) in SAP.
  Verify that the printer name is correctly defined and is active.
  Ensure that the printer is configured correctly for the output device type.
  
  
  
  Verify Printer Name:
  
  Ensure that the printer name used in the print request matches the name defined in the SAP system.
  Check for any typos or incorrect characters in the printer name.
  
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to use the specified printer.
  You can check user roles and authorizations in transaction code SU01 (User Maintenance).
  
  
  
  Test Printer Connectivity:
  
  If the printer is a network printer, ensure that it is powered on and connected to the network.
  You can try printing a test page from the operating system to verify connectivity.
  
  
  
  Review Spool Settings:
  
  Check the spool settings in transaction code SP01 (Spool Request) to see if there are any errors related to the spool request.
  Ensure that the spool server is running and configured correctly.
  
  
  
  Check Output Device Settings:
  
  In transaction code SPAD, check the output device settings for the printer, including the device type and access method.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SPAD: Spool Administration
  SP01: Spool Request
  SU01: User Maintenance
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to printer configuration or known bugs.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for detailed information on configuring printers and managing spool requests.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the PT016 error message in SAP. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis team or support for further assistance.