How To Fix /SMB/SC_MAIN170 - Unexpected error while updating database

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SMB/SC_MAIN -

• Message number: 170

• Message text: Unexpected error while updating database

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SMB/SC_MAIN170 - Unexpected error while updating database ?

  The SAP error message /SMB/SC_MAIN170 Unexpected error while updating database typically indicates that there was an unexpected issue during a database update operation in the SAP system. This error can arise from various underlying causes, and addressing it usually involves a systematic approach to identify and resolve the issue.
  Possible Causes:
  
  Database Locking Issues: Another process may be locking the database table that the update is trying to access.
  Data Integrity Violations: The data being written may violate constraints (e.g., primary key, foreign key, unique constraints).
  Database Connection Problems: There may be issues with the connection to the database, such as network problems or database server downtime.
  Insufficient Authorizations: The user or process attempting the update may not have the necessary permissions to perform the operation.
  Corrupted Data: There may be corrupted data in the database that is causing the update to fail.
  System Resource Limitations: Insufficient memory or disk space on the database server can lead to unexpected errors.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Database Locks: Use transaction codes like SM12 to check for any locks on the database tables and resolve them if necessary.
  Review Data Integrity: Ensure that the data being updated adheres to all constraints and rules defined in the database schema.
  Verify Database Connection: Check the connection settings and ensure that the database server is up and running. You can also check for any network issues.
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that the user or process has the necessary authorizations to perform the update. You can use transaction SU53 to analyze authorization issues.
  Data Consistency Check: Run consistency checks on the database to identify and fix any corrupted data. This may involve using tools like DB02 or DBACOCKPIT.
  Monitor System Resources: Check the system resources on the database server to ensure there is enough memory and disk space available. If necessary, free up resources or increase capacity.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Transaction Logs: Review the application and database logs for more detailed error messages that can provide insight into the root cause of the issue.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis team or SAP support for further investigation and resolution.