How To Fix SY266 - Cannot sort more than & lines

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SY - ABAP/4 system messages

• Message number: 266

• Message text: Cannot sort more than & lines

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SY266 - Cannot sort more than & lines ?

  The SAP error message SY266 ("Cannot sort more than & lines") typically occurs when you attempt to sort a large dataset in an SAP report or transaction, and the number of lines exceeds the system's limit for sorting operations. This limit is often set to prevent performance issues and excessive memory usage.
  Cause:
  
  Exceeding Line Limit: The error is triggered when the number of lines in the internal table or dataset that you are trying to sort exceeds the maximum allowed limit.
  Large Data Volume: The dataset being processed is too large, which can happen in reports that pull extensive data from the database.
  Inefficient Query: The way the data is being queried or processed may lead to retrieving more records than necessary.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Reduce Data Volume:
  
  Filter Data: Apply filters to limit the number of records being processed. This can be done by adding selection criteria in the report or transaction.
  Pagination: If applicable, implement pagination to process data in smaller chunks rather than all at once.
  
  
  
  Optimize Queries:
  
  Review the underlying query or logic to ensure it is efficient and only retrieves necessary data.
  Use appropriate indexes in the database to speed up data retrieval.
  
  
  
  Increase System Limits (if applicable):
  
  Consult with your SAP Basis team to see if there is a possibility to increase the limit for sorting operations, although this is generally not recommended due to potential performance impacts.
  
  
  
  Use Alternative Approaches:
  
  Instead of sorting in the report, consider sorting the data in a different way, such as using database views or pre-sorted datasets.
  If you are developing custom reports, consider using ABAP code to handle sorting in a more efficient manner.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message. Sometimes, there are known issues or fixes provided by SAP.
  Performance Tuning: Look into performance tuning for your SAP environment, which may help in handling larger datasets more effectively.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for best practices on handling large datasets and optimizing report performance.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant who can analyze the specific context of the error in your system.