How To Fix /SMB/SC_MAIN153 - System failure: Cannot lock selection

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SMB/SC_MAIN -

• Message number: 153

• Message text: System failure: Cannot lock selection

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SMB/SC_MAIN153 - System failure: Cannot lock selection ?

  The SAP error message /SMB/SC_MAIN153 System failure: Cannot lock selection typically indicates that there is an issue with locking mechanisms in the SAP system, which can prevent certain operations from being executed. This error can occur in various contexts, such as during data processing, report generation, or when trying to access specific transactions.
  Causes:
  
  Lock Conflicts: The most common cause is that another user or process is holding a lock on the selection or data that you are trying to access.
  System Performance Issues: High system load or performance issues can lead to timeouts or failures in acquiring locks.
  Database Issues: Problems with the underlying database, such as deadlocks or corruption, can also lead to locking issues.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system can lead to locking problems.
  Transport Issues: If the error occurs after a transport, it may be due to inconsistencies introduced during the transport process.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Lock Entries: Use transaction code SM12 to check for existing lock entries. You can identify if another user or process is holding the lock and take appropriate action (e.g., ask the user to release the lock).
  System Performance Monitoring: Monitor system performance using transaction codes like SM50 or SM66 to identify any processes that may be causing high load or contention for resources.
  Database Check: If you suspect database issues, work with your database administrator to check for deadlocks or other database-related problems.
  Review Configuration: Ensure that the configuration settings related to locking mechanisms are correctly set up in your SAP system.
  Transport Management: If the issue arose after a transport, check the transport logs for errors and consider re-importing the transport or correcting any inconsistencies.
  Restart the Application: In some cases, restarting the application or the relevant transaction can resolve temporary locking issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error. You can search the SAP Support Portal for specific notes that may address this error.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  System Logs: Review system logs (transaction SM21) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the failure.
  
  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.