How To Fix W/290 - The distribution chain was not deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W/ -

• Message number: 290

• Message text: The distribution chain was not deleted

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W/290 - The distribution chain was not deleted ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W/290 The distribution chain was not deleted
  
  Cause:
  This warning message typically occurs in the context of workflow or distribution chain processing in SAP. It indicates that an attempt to delete a distribution chain (a sequence of steps or tasks assigned to users or organizational units) was unsuccessful.
  Common causes include:
  
  The distribution chain is currently in use or locked by another process.
  The distribution chain is referenced by active workflow tasks or objects.
  Insufficient authorizations to delete the distribution chain.
  Technical issues such as database locks or inconsistencies.
  The distribution chain might be part of a standard SAP process that cannot be deleted.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the issue, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Workflow Status:
  
  Verify if the distribution chain is currently active or assigned to any running workflow tasks.
  Use transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWIA (Work Item Administration) to check for active tasks.
  
  
  
  Ensure No Locks Exist:
  
  Check for any locks on the distribution chain using transaction SM12.
  If locks exist, determine if they can be released safely.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Confirm that the user attempting the deletion has the necessary authorizations.
  Relevant authorization objects might include S_WF_BTC (Workflow Background Processing) or S_WF_WI (Workflow Work Item).
  
  
  
  Delete or Close Dependent Objects:
  
  If the distribution chain is linked to other workflow objects or tasks, close or delete those first.
  Sometimes, you may need to cancel or complete active workflow instances.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction or Program:
  
  Use the appropriate SAP transaction or report to delete the distribution chain.
  For example, distribution chains are often maintained in transaction PFTC (Task Maintenance) or SWDD (Workflow Builder).
  
  
  
  Check for Custom Code or Enhancements:
  
  If custom developments or enhancements are involved, verify that they do not prevent deletion.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to message W/290 for any known bugs or patches.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Distribution Chain:
  
  A distribution chain in SAP is a sequence of steps/tasks that define how workflow items are distributed to users or organizational units.
  
  
  Workflow Transactions:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  PFTC - Task Maintenance
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection
  SWIA - Work Item Administration
  SM12 - Lock Entries
  
  
  
  Authorization Objects:
  
  S_WF_BTC - Workflow Background Processing
  S_WF_WI - Workflow Work Item
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any updates or patches related to workflow and distribution chain deletion.
  SAP Help Portal for Workflow Management.
  
  
  
  
  If the problem persists after these checks, consider raising a support ticket with SAP, providing detailed logs and system information.