How To Fix /SMB/UTILITY196 - Configuration changes are not allowed, running or failed activation

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SMB/UTILITY -

• Message number: 196

• Message text: Configuration changes are not allowed, running or failed activation

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/UTILITY196 - Configuration changes are not allowed, running or failed activation ?

  The SAP error message /SMB/UTILITY196 Configuration changes are not allowed, running or failed activation typically occurs in the context of the SAP Business One or SAP Business ByDesign systems. This error indicates that there are ongoing processes or failed activations that prevent configuration changes from being made.
  Cause:
  
  Ongoing Processes: There may be a background job or process that is currently running, which locks the configuration settings.
  Failed Activation: If a previous activation of a configuration change has failed, the system may prevent further changes until the issue is resolved.
  Locking Mechanism: SAP systems often have locking mechanisms to ensure data integrity during configuration changes. If a lock is in place, it will prevent new changes.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Running Processes: 
  
  Go to the relevant transaction or monitoring tool in SAP to check for any running processes. You may need to wait for these processes to complete.
  Use transaction codes like SM37 to monitor background jobs and see if there are any jobs that are still running or have failed.
  
  
  
  Resolve Failed Activations:
  
  If there is a failed activation, you will need to investigate the logs to understand why it failed. This can often be found in the system logs or application logs.
  Once the issue is identified, you may need to correct the configuration or data that caused the failure and attempt the activation again.
  
  
  
  Release Locks:
  
  If you suspect that a lock is preventing changes, you can use transaction SM12 to check for and delete any unnecessary locks. Be cautious when doing this, as it may affect other users or processes.
  
  
  
  System Restart: 
  
  In some cases, a system restart may help clear any lingering processes or locks that are preventing configuration changes.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Review the SAP documentation or support notes related to the specific error message for additional troubleshooting steps or patches that may be required.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: 
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SM37 (Job Monitoring), SM12 (Lock Entries), and SLG1 (Application Log) for troubleshooting.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  System Logs: Always check the system logs for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.