How To Fix S3103 - System error (Cannot lock &)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: S3 - Transaction for processing logical databases

• Message number: 103

• Message text: System error (Cannot lock &)

What causes this issue?

Locking an object component of the logical database failed. This may be
because another user is editing the same component or because a lock
has not been released due to a system error.

System Response

Changing the object component terminated.

How to fix this error?

Select <LS>Display</> to view the object component or use Transaction
SM12 to check which user has set the lock.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message S3103 - System error (Cannot lock &) ?

  The SAP error message S3103, which indicates a "System error (Cannot lock &)," typically occurs when the system is unable to acquire a lock on a particular object or resource. This can happen for several reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution.
  Causes of S3103 Error
  
  Lock Table Overflow: The lock table may be full, preventing new locks from being created.
  Deadlocks: Two or more processes may be waiting for each other to release locks, leading to a deadlock situation.
  Long-Running Transactions: A transaction that takes too long to complete may hold locks longer than necessary, causing other transactions to fail.
  Database Issues: Problems with the underlying database can also lead to locking issues.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system can lead to locking problems.
  
  Solutions
  
  
  Check Lock Table Status:
  
  Use transaction code SM12 to check the lock entries. You can delete unnecessary locks if they are no longer needed.
  
  
  
  Monitor Long-Running Transactions:
  
  Use transaction code SM66 or SM50 to monitor active processes and identify any long-running transactions that may be holding locks.
  
  
  
  Analyze Deadlocks:
  
  Use transaction code SM21 to check the system log for any deadlock situations. You may need to analyze the processes involved and adjust them accordingly.
  
  
  
  Increase Lock Table Size:
  
  If the lock table is frequently full, consider increasing its size. This can be done by adjusting the profile parameters in the instance profile (e.g., enque/table_size).
  
  
  
  Database Maintenance:
  
  Ensure that the database is properly maintained and optimized. Check for any locks or issues at the database level.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Review the configuration settings related to locking mechanisms in your SAP system to ensure they are set correctly.
  
  
  
  Restart the Application Server:
  
  In some cases, restarting the application server can help clear up any temporary issues causing the lock error.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to locking issues for specific guidance and patches. You can search for relevant notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on lock management and troubleshooting for more detailed information.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if others have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis team or SAP support for further investigation.