How To Fix RLFW217 - System mode cannot be switched. Enqueue lock failed with rc &1.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RLFW - Messages for runlevel framework

• Message number: 217

• Message text: System mode cannot be switched. Enqueue lock failed with rc &1.

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RLFW217 - System mode cannot be switched. Enqueue lock failed with rc &1. ?

  The SAP error message RLFW217 indicates that the system is unable to switch modes due to an enqueue lock failure. This typically occurs when there is a contention for a resource that is being locked by another process or user, preventing the mode switch from being executed.
  Cause:
  
  Enqueue Lock Contention: Another user or process is holding a lock on the resource that is required for the mode switch.
  Long-Running Transactions: A transaction that is taking a long time to complete may be holding onto the lock.
  System Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the SAP system that are causing the enqueue locks to not be released properly.
  Deadlocks: In some cases, a deadlock situation may arise where two or more processes are waiting for each other to release locks.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the Lock:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for existing locks. You can filter by user or object to find the specific lock that is causing the issue.
  Look for any long-running transactions in transaction SM66 or SM50 that might be holding the lock.
  
  
  
  Release the Lock:
  
  If you identify a lock that is no longer needed, you can delete it from the SM12 transaction. Be cautious when doing this, as it may affect other users or processes.
  If a specific user or process is holding the lock, you may need to contact them to resolve the issue.
  
  
  
  Check for Deadlocks:
  
  Review the system logs (transaction SM21) for any deadlock situations that may have occurred. If deadlocks are frequent, you may need to analyze the processes involved and optimize them.
  
  
  
  System Configuration:
  
  Ensure that your SAP system is properly configured to handle enqueue locks. This may involve checking the settings in the Enqueue Server and ensuring that it is functioning correctly.
  
  
  
  Restart the Enqueue Server:
  
  In some cases, restarting the enqueue server can help resolve persistent locking issues. This should be done during a maintenance window to avoid disrupting users.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage locks.
  SM21: System log.
  SM50: Process overview.
  SM66: Global process overview.
  
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for more details on enqueue locking mechanisms and troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the enqueue lock failure and take appropriate action to resolve the RLFW217 error.