How To Fix W#473 - System cannot lock documents &1, item &2 and &3, item &4

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W# -

• Message number: 473

• Message text: System cannot lock documents &1, item &2 and &3, item &4

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 W#473 - System cannot lock documents &1, item &2 and &3, item &4 ?

  The SAP error message W#473 indicates that the system is unable to lock specific documents and items due to a locking issue. This typically occurs when multiple users or processes are trying to access or modify the same document or item simultaneously, leading to a conflict in the locking mechanism.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another user or process is currently accessing the same document or item, preventing your session from obtaining a lock.
  Long-Running Transactions: A transaction that takes a long time to complete may hold a lock on the document or item longer than expected.
  System Configuration: There may be issues with the configuration of the locking mechanism in the SAP system.
  Database Locks: Locks at the database level can also cause this issue if the database is not releasing locks properly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: If the issue is due to concurrent access, waiting for a short period and then retrying the operation may resolve the issue.
  Identify Locking Users: Use transaction code SM12 to check for existing locks on the document or item. You can identify which user or process is holding the lock and take appropriate action.
  Release Locks: If you find that a lock is held unnecessarily, you can manually release it (if you have the necessary permissions) using transaction SM12.
  Check for Long Transactions: Review any long-running transactions that may be holding locks and address them accordingly.
  System Configuration Review: Consult with your SAP Basis team to ensure that the locking mechanism is configured correctly and that there are no underlying issues with the system.
  Database Check: If the problem persists, it may be necessary to check the database for any locking issues or performance problems.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage locks.
  SM21: Check system logs for any related errors or warnings.
  ST22: Analyze dumps that may provide insight into the issue.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to locking mechanisms.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to properly handle documents and items to minimize locking conflicts.
  
  If the problem continues after trying these solutions, it may be necessary to escalate the issue to your SAP support team for further investigation.