How To Fix VHURL261 - An external name is already assigned to vendor &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VHURL - Messages for Returnable Packaging Account Processing

• Message number: 261

• Message text: An external name is already assigned to vendor &1

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VHURL261 - An external name is already assigned to vendor &1 ?

  The SAP error message VHURL261 indicates that there is an issue with the assignment of an external name to a vendor in the system. Specifically, it means that the external name you are trying to assign to a vendor is already in use by another vendor or entity in the system.
  Cause:
  The error typically occurs due to one of the following reasons:
  
  Duplicate External Name: The external name you are trying to assign to the vendor is already assigned to another vendor or business partner in the system.
  Data Entry Error: There may have been a mistake in data entry, leading to an attempt to assign an existing external name.
  System Configuration: The system may have specific configurations or settings that prevent the assignment of duplicate external names.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Assignments:
  
  Use transaction codes like BP (Business Partner) or MK03 (Display Vendor) to check if the external name is already assigned to another vendor.
  Search for the external name in the relevant tables (e.g., LFA1 for vendor master data) to identify any duplicates.
  
  
  
  Change the External Name:
  
  If the external name is indeed in use, you will need to choose a different external name for the vendor you are trying to create or modify.
  
  
  
  Delete or Modify Existing Assignment:
  
  If the existing assignment is no longer needed, you can consider deleting or modifying the vendor or business partner that currently holds the external name.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator:
  
  If you are unsure about how to proceed or if the external name should be unique based on your organization's policies, consult with your SAP administrator or support team for guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  BP: Business Partner Maintenance
  MK01: Create Vendor
  MK02: Change Vendor
  MK03: Display Vendor
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to vendor management and external name assignments.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation regarding vendor master data management to understand the rules and best practices for assigning external names.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the VHURL261 error and successfully manage vendor external names in your SAP system.