How To Fix W+606 - Layout area '&' contains items => You cannot delete

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W+ -

• Message number: 606

• Message text: Layout area '&' contains items => You cannot delete

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W+606 - Layout area '&' contains items => You cannot delete ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W+606 Layout area '&' contains items => You cannot delete
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when you attempt to delete a layout area in SAP that still contains one or more items (such as fields, columns, or elements). SAP prevents the deletion of a layout area if it is not empty to avoid inconsistencies or loss of data references.
  
  The placeholder & in the message is replaced by the name of the layout area you are trying to delete.
  Layout areas are structural elements in SAP layouts (e.g., in ALV reports, SAPscript forms, or Smart Forms) that group items together.
  If the layout area contains any assigned items, SAP will not allow deletion until these items are removed or reassigned.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this warning and successfully delete the layout area, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check the Layout Area Contents:
  
  Navigate to the layout area in question.
  Review all items (fields, columns, or elements) assigned to this layout area.
  
  
  
  Remove or Reassign Items:
  
  Delete the items within the layout area if they are no longer needed.
  Alternatively, reassign these items to another existing layout area if they should be retained.
  
  
  
  Save Changes:
  
  After clearing the layout area of all items, save your changes.
  
  
  
  Delete the Layout Area:
  
  Now, attempt to delete the layout area again.
  Since it no longer contains any items, SAP will allow the deletion.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Where this occurs:
  
  This message is commonly encountered in SAP modules involving layout management, such as:
  
  ALV (ABAP List Viewer) layout configurations
  SAPscript or Smart Forms layout editing
  SAP Query layout maintenance
  
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  Depending on the context, you might be working in transactions like:
  
  SE71 (SAPscript form painter)
  SMARTFORMS (Smart Forms)
  ALV layout maintenance screens (e.g., via SE38 or custom programs)
  
  
  
  Additional Tips:
  
  Always back up your layout or form before making structural changes.
  If unsure about the items assigned, use the layout or form editor's display or list functions to get a clear overview.
  Consult SAP documentation or your BASIS/ABAP team if the layout is part of a critical or complex application.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  You cannot delete a layout area if it still contains items. Remove or reassign all items from the layout area first, then delete the layout area.