How To Fix UMB204 - Document '&' cannot be deleted. Related documents exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UMB - SEM-CPM: Balanced Scorecard

• Message number: 204

• Message text: Document '&' cannot be deleted. Related documents exist

What causes this issue?

This document has comments and related documents.

System Response

The document cannot be deleted.

How to fix this error?

All related documents have to be deleted before this document can be
deleted.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message UMB204 - Document '&' cannot be deleted. Related documents exist ?

  The SAP error message UMB204 indicates that a document cannot be deleted because there are related documents that depend on it. This is a common issue in SAP systems, particularly when dealing with document management, financial transactions, or any module where documents are interlinked.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when you attempt to delete a document that has dependencies. For example:
  
  There may be subsequent documents that reference the document you are trying to delete.
  The document could be part of a transaction chain, such as an invoice that has been paid or a purchase order that has been processed.
  Related documents could include linked invoices, credit memos, or other financial documents.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Related Documents:
  
  Use transaction codes like FB03 (Display Document) or ME23N (Display Purchase Order) to check for any documents that reference the document you are trying to delete.
  Look for any linked documents in the document flow or related document sections.
  
  
  
  Delete or Modify Related Documents:
  
  If possible, delete or modify the related documents that are preventing the deletion of the original document.
  Ensure that any changes comply with your organization's policies and procedures.
  
  
  
  Use the Correct Deletion Method:
  
  In some cases, you may need to use a specific transaction or method to delete documents, especially if they are part of a workflow or approval process.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator:
  
  If you are unsure about the dependencies or how to proceed, consult with your SAP administrator or a colleague who has experience with document management in SAP.
  
  
  
  Check for Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to delete documents in the system. Lack of proper permissions can also lead to errors.
  
  
  
  Review SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for document management, such as FB03, ME23N, FBL1N, etc.
  Document Flow: Understanding the document flow in SAP can help you identify dependencies more easily.
  SAP Help Portal: Utilize the SAP Help Portal for documentation and troubleshooting related to document management and error messages.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the UMB204 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.