How To Fix SO039 - Document could not be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SO - SAPoffice: message texts

• Message number: 039

• Message text: Document could not be deleted

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SO039 - Document could not be deleted ?

  The SAP error message SO039, which states "Document could not be deleted," typically occurs when there is an attempt to delete a document in the SAP system that cannot be removed due to various reasons. Here are some common causes, potential solutions, and related information for this error:
  Causes:
  
  Document Locking: The document may be locked by another user or process, preventing deletion.
  Document Status: The document may be in a status that does not allow deletion (e.g., it may be archived or in use).
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to delete the document.
  Dependencies: The document may have dependencies or links to other documents or processes that prevent its deletion.
  Technical Issues: There may be underlying technical issues or inconsistencies in the database.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Document Lock: Use transaction code SM12 to check if the document is locked by another user. If it is, you may need to wait for the lock to be released or contact the user who has locked it.
  
  
  Verify Document Status: Ensure that the document is in a status that allows deletion. If it is archived or in a workflow, you may need to change its status or complete the workflow before deletion.
  
  
  Check Authorizations: Verify that the user attempting to delete the document has the necessary authorizations. You can check this using transaction code SU53 to see if there are any authorization issues.
  
  
  Review Dependencies: Investigate if the document has any dependencies. If it is linked to other documents or processes, you may need to delete or unlink those first.
  
  
  Technical Support: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis or technical support team. They can check for any database inconsistencies or other technical issues that may be causing the error.
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes: Depending on the type of document, you may need to use specific transaction codes to delete it. For example, for SAPscript or Smart Forms, you might use SE71 or SMARTFORMS.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error. You can search for relevant notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for the specific module or document type you are working with to understand the deletion process and any restrictions.
  Community Forums: Consider checking SAP community forums or discussion boards for similar issues and solutions shared by other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the SO039 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.