How To Fix SL172 - Empty selection list is ignored

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SL - System log

• Message number: 172

• Message text: Empty selection list is ignored

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SL172 - Empty selection list is ignored ?

  The SAP error message SL172 "Empty selection list is ignored" typically occurs when a report or transaction is executed without any valid selection criteria being provided. This means that the system is trying to process a selection that does not contain any entries, leading to the message being displayed.
  Cause:
  
  No Selection Criteria: The user has not entered any selection criteria in the selection screen of the report or transaction.
  Invalid Selection: The selection criteria provided do not match any existing records in the database.
  Default Values: If the report is set to run with default values and those defaults do not yield any results, the system may interpret this as an empty selection.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Selection Criteria: Ensure that you have entered valid selection criteria in the selection screen. This could include fields like date ranges, document numbers, or other relevant parameters.
  Review Default Values: If the report uses default values, check if they are set correctly and if they correspond to existing data.
  Test with Different Criteria: Try running the report with different or broader selection criteria to see if any results are returned.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the documentation or help files for the specific report or transaction to understand the required selection criteria.
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to view the data you are trying to access.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error can occur in various transaction codes depending on the report or function being executed.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to the specific report or transaction you are using.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can analyze the program logic to see why the selection list is empty.
  User Training: Sometimes, users may not be familiar with the required fields for selection. Providing training or documentation can help mitigate this issue in the future.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant for further assistance.