How To Fix PT213 - Short name & of printer & exists as the long name. Cannot be changed.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PT - Messages for ABAP print functions

• Message number: 213

• Message text: Short name & of printer & exists as the long name. Cannot be changed.

What causes this issue?

A short name of an output device is itself a long name of a different
output device. Therefore, when print defaults are changed, a mix-up can
result and the change is rejected.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

How to fix this error?

The above change to the print default for the output device in the print
dialog is only possible when the short name no longer exists as the long
name of a different output device.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PT213 - Short name & of printer & exists as the long name. Cannot be changed. ?

  The SAP error message PT213 indicates that there is a conflict between the short name and long name of a printer in the SAP system. Specifically, it means that the short name you are trying to assign to a printer already exists as the long name of another printer. This situation prevents you from changing the short name because it would create ambiguity in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Naming Conflict: The short name you are trying to use is already in use as the long name of another printer.
  System Constraints: SAP enforces unique identifiers for printers to avoid confusion and ensure proper routing of print jobs.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Printers:
  
  Go to the transaction code SPAD (Spool Administration).
  Look for the printer with the long name that matches the short name you are trying to use.
  Identify the printer that is causing the conflict.
  
  
  
  Rename or Modify the Printer:
  
  If the long name is not needed, you can consider renaming it to free up the short name you want to use.
  Alternatively, you can choose a different short name for the printer you are trying to configure.
  
  
  
  Create a New Printer:
  
  If renaming is not an option, you may create a new printer with a unique short name that does not conflict with existing long names.
  
  
  
  Check for Other Conflicts:
  
  Ensure that there are no other printers or objects in the system that might be causing similar conflicts.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP Basis team for best practices regarding printer naming conventions.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SPAD: Spool Administration for managing printers.
  SP01: To view spool requests and check if print jobs are being processed correctly.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific issues or updates related to printer management and naming conventions.
  
  
  User Roles: Ensure you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to printer configurations in SAP.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PT213 error and successfully configure your printer in the SAP system.