How To Fix R11287 - Printer &1 already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: R11 - Business Partner and BDT

• Message number: 287

• Message text: Printer &1 already exists

What causes this issue?

You have created a data record with a printer destination that is
already contained in another data record of the same communication
type.
This means that it is not possible to unambiguously identify this data
record via the printer destination.

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?

During direct input, state the number of the data record (
<LS>CONSNUMBER</>) in order to unambiguously identify this data record.

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 R11287 - Printer &1 already exists ?

  The SAP error message R11287, which states "Printer &1 already exists," typically occurs when you attempt to create a printer in the SAP system that already has an existing entry with the same name. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when configuring output devices or printers in the SAP system.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Printer Name: The most common cause is that the printer name you are trying to create already exists in the SAP system.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be a misconfiguration in the printer settings or the output device settings.
  Transport Issues: If you are transporting printer configurations from one system to another, there may be conflicts with existing printer names.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Printers:
  
  Go to transaction code SPAD (Spool Administration).
  In the "Output Devices" section, search for the printer name you are trying to create.
  If it exists, you can either modify the existing printer or choose a different name for the new printer.
  
  
  
  Modify Existing Printer:
  
  If the existing printer is not configured correctly, you can modify its settings to meet your requirements instead of creating a new one.
  
  
  
  Delete Duplicate Printer:
  
  If the existing printer is no longer needed, you can delete it from the system. Be cautious with this approach, as it may affect other users or processes relying on that printer.
  
  
  
  Use a Unique Name:
  
  If you need to create a new printer, ensure that you use a unique name that does not conflict with existing entries.
  
  
  
  Check Transport Requests:
  
  If the issue arises after a transport, check the transport requests to ensure that there are no conflicts with printer names.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SPAD: Spool Administration - for managing printers and output devices.
  SP01: Spool Request - to view spool requests and their statuses.
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on configuring printers and output devices.
  
  
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create or modify printers in the SAP system.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the R11287 error and successfully manage your printer configurations in SAP.