How To Fix SMI_GENERAL012 - Record cannot be locked due to system failure

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SMI_GENERAL -

• Message number: 012

• Message text: Record cannot be locked due to system failure

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SMI_GENERAL012 - Record cannot be locked due to system failure ?

  The SAP error message SMI_GENERAL012 indicates that a record cannot be locked due to a system failure. This error typically occurs in scenarios where the system is unable to acquire a lock on a database record, which can happen for various reasons. Here are some potential causes, solutions, and related information:
  Causes:
  
  Database Lock Issues: The record may already be locked by another transaction or user, preventing your transaction from acquiring the necessary lock.
  System Performance Issues: High system load or performance issues can lead to timeouts or failures in acquiring locks.
  Network Issues: Connectivity problems between the application server and the database can cause failures in locking mechanisms.
  Database Corruption: In rare cases, corruption in the database can lead to locking issues.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system or database can lead to locking problems.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Lock Entries: Use transaction code SM12 to check for existing lock entries. If you find that the record is locked by another user, you may need to wait for that transaction to complete or, if appropriate, delete the lock entry (with caution).
  Monitor System Performance: Use transaction codes like ST22 (dump analysis) and SM21 (system log) to check for any performance issues or errors that might be affecting the system.
  Review Network Connectivity: Ensure that there are no network issues between the application server and the database. Check for any connectivity problems that might be causing the lock failure.
  Database Health Check: Perform a health check on the database to ensure there are no corruption issues. This may involve running database-specific tools or commands.
  Restart the Application Server: If the issue persists, consider restarting the application server to clear any temporary issues that may be affecting the locking mechanism.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage lock entries.
  ST22: Analyze short dumps.
  SM21: View system logs.
  SM37: Monitor background jobs.
  
  
  SAP Support: If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the error, including any relevant logs or screenshots.
  
  Preventive Measures:
  
  Regularly monitor system performance and database health.
  Implement proper user training to minimize unnecessary locking of records.
  Schedule maintenance windows for heavy transactions to reduce the likelihood of lock contention.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the SMI_GENERAL012 error effectively.