How To Fix SPRX278 - Import overwrites any existing metadata

SPRX278 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SPRX - Proxy Generation

• Message number: 278

• Message text: Import overwrites any existing metadata

What causes this issue?

Existing metadata may be overwritten when you import.
SAP recommends that you export all existing metadata (*) to a security
file before you begin importing.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

Initially, the data is only imported to the working memory. The database
tables are only updated when you save.

How to fix this error?

If you are unsure, export all metadata (*) to a security file first,
before you begin importing the data.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SPRX278 - Import overwrites any existing metadata ?

  The SAP error message SPRX278, which states "Import overwrites any existing metadata," typically occurs during the import of transport requests in SAP systems. This message is a warning indicating that the import process will replace any existing metadata in the target system with the metadata from the transport request being imported.
  
  Cause:
  
  Transport Request Import: The error arises when you are trying to import a transport request that contains metadata (like configuration settings, data dictionary objects, etc.) that already exists in the target system.
  Existing Metadata: The system is alerting you that the import will overwrite any existing metadata, which could lead to loss of customizations or configurations that were previously set up in the target system.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Review the Transport Request: Before proceeding with the import, review the contents of the transport request to understand what metadata will be overwritten. You can do this using transaction code SE09 or SE10.
  Backup Existing Metadata: If the