How To Fix S1171 - Data table is locked by user &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: S1 - Statistik / SAP-Monitor

• Message number: 171

• Message text: Data table is locked by user &

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message S1171 - Data table is locked by user & ?

  The SAP error message S1171, which states "Data table is locked by user &," typically occurs when a user tries to access or modify a data table that is currently locked by another user. This locking mechanism is a part of SAP's concurrency control to ensure data integrity and prevent conflicts when multiple users are trying to access the same data simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  User Locking: Another user is currently editing or has locked the data table.
  Transaction Incompletion: A previous transaction may not have been completed properly, leaving the table in a locked state.
  Long-running Processes: A long-running process or background job may be holding the lock on the data table.
  System Errors: Occasionally, system errors or crashes can lead to locks not being released properly.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the Locking User:
  
  Use transaction code SM12 to view the list of locks in the system. You can filter by the user ID to find out who is holding the lock.
  
  
  
  Contact the User:
  
  If you identify the user who is holding the lock, you can contact them to see if they can release the lock by completing or canceling their transaction.
  
  
  
  Release the Lock:
  
  If the locking user is unavailable or the lock is no longer needed, an administrator can manually delete the lock entry in transaction SM12. However, this should be done with caution to avoid data inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Check for Background Jobs:
  
  Use transaction SM37 to check if there are any background jobs that might be holding the lock. If a job is found to be causing the issue, it may need to be canceled or completed.
  
  
  
  Review System Logs:
  
  Check the system logs (transaction SM21) for any errors or warnings that might indicate why the lock was not released.
  
  
  
  Restart the Transaction:
  
  After the lock has been released, try to restart the transaction that was causing the error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Lock Management: Understanding how SAP handles locks can help in troubleshooting. Locks can be exclusive (only one user can access) or shared (multiple users can access).
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage locks.
  SM21: System log for error messages.
  SM37: Monitor background jobs.
  
  
  User Training: Educating users on proper transaction completion and how to avoid leaving transactions open can help reduce the occurrence of this error.
  
  If the problem persists or if you are unsure about releasing locks, it is advisable to consult with your SAP Basis team or system administrator for further assistance.