How To Fix RECD404 - Program can only be executed in the background

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RECD -

• Message number: 404

• Message text: Program can only be executed in the background

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

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.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RECD404 - Program can only be executed in the background ?

  The SAP error message RECD404, which states "Program can only be executed in the background," typically occurs when a program or report is designed to run only in the background processing mode rather than in the foreground. This is often the case for long-running processes or batch jobs that require significant resources or time to complete.
  Cause:
  
  Program Design: The program is explicitly designed to be executed in the background. This is often indicated in the program's attributes or settings.
  Transaction Restrictions: Some transactions or reports are restricted to background execution due to their complexity or the volume of data they process.
  User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to execute the program in the foreground, leading to the system redirecting the execution to the background.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Run in Background: The simplest solution is to execute the program in the background. You can do this by:
  
  Using the transaction code SM37 to monitor background jobs.
  Using the transaction code SE38 or SA38 to run the program and selecting the option to execute it in the background.
  If you are using a specific transaction that triggers the program, look for an option to run it in the background.
  
  
  
  Check Program Attributes: If you have access to the ABAP development environment, you can check the program attributes in transaction SE80 or SE38 to confirm that it is set to run only in the background.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review the documentation or help files associated with the program to understand its intended use and any specific instructions for execution.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you believe the program should be executable in the foreground or if you encounter issues running it in the background, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or the development team responsible for the program.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Background Jobs: Familiarize yourself with how to create and manage background jobs in SAP using transaction SM36 (Define Background Job) and SM37 (Monitor Background Jobs).
  Performance Considerations: Running programs in the background can help improve system performance and user experience, especially for resource-intensive tasks.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that your user role has the necessary authorizations to execute background jobs, as this can sometimes be a limiting factor.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RECD404 error and successfully execute the program as intended.