How To Fix VN138 - Possible entries cannot be displayed due to missing program names

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VN - Nachrichtensteuerung

• Message number: 138

• Message text: Possible entries cannot be displayed due to missing program names

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VN138 - Possible entries cannot be displayed due to missing program names ?

  The SAP error message VN138 - Possible entries cannot be displayed due to missing program names typically occurs in the context of vendor master data or related transaction screens where F4 help (value help) is expected to show possible entries, but the system cannot display them because the program names required for the F4 help are missing or not properly assigned.
  
  Cause
  
  The error VN138 arises because the system tries to call a search help or F4 help for a field, but the underlying program or search help definition is missing or not linked correctly.
  This can happen if:
  
  The search help or program assigned to the field is deleted or not maintained.
  The customizing for the field’s F4 help is incomplete or corrupted.
  There is a missing or incorrect assignment in the field’s data element or domain regarding the search help.
  A transport or system upgrade has caused inconsistencies in the search help assignments.
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the Search Help Assignment:
  
  Use transaction SE11 (Data Dictionary).
  Enter the data element or domain of the field where the error occurs.
  Check the Search Help assigned to the data element/domain.
  Verify if the search help exists and is active.
  
  
  
  Check the Search Help Program:
  
  In SE11, display the search help.
  Check the Search Help Exit or the program associated with the search help.
  Ensure the program exists and is active in the system (use SE38 or SE80).
  
  
  
  Check Field’s F4 Help in Screen or Table Maintenance:
  
  If the error occurs in a custom screen or transaction, check the screen field properties.
  Verify if the F4 help program or search help is assigned correctly.
  
  
  
  Reassign or Correct the Search Help:
  
  If the search help or program is missing, recreate or restore it.
  If the assignment is incorrect, assign the correct search help to the data element/domain.
  
  
  
  Check for OSS Notes:
  
  Sometimes SAP releases notes for this issue.
  Search SAP Support Portal for OSS notes related to message VN138.
  Apply relevant notes if available.
  
  
  
  Transport and System Consistency:
  
  If the issue appeared after a transport or upgrade, check if all objects related to the search help and programs were transported correctly.
  Reimport or fix transports if necessary.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Message Class: VN (Vendor Master)
  Transaction Codes: The error often appears in vendor master transactions like XK01, XK02, XK03, or related custom transactions.
  Search Help: SAP uses search helps (F4 helps) to provide possible entries for fields.
  Data Element/Domain: The F4 help is linked to the data element or domain of the field.
  Debugging: You can debug the F4 help call to see which program or search help is being called and where it fails.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any patches or fixes related to this error.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error Message
  VN138 - Possible entries cannot be displayed due to missing program names
  
  
  Cause
  Missing or incorrect assignment of search help or program for F4 help on a field
  
  
  Solution
  Verify and correct search help assignment in SE11; ensure programs exist and are active
  
  
  Related Tcodes
  XK01, XK02, XK03, SE11, SE38, SE80
  
  
  Additional
  Check SAP OSS notes; verify transport consistency
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or field where the error occurs, I can help you with more specific steps.