How To Fix W1160 - Place the cursor on the field you want to sort by

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W1 - Customizing Classes

• Message number: 160

• Message text: Place the cursor on the field you want to sort by

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W1160 - Place the cursor on the field you want to sort by ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W1160 - Place the cursor on the field you want to sort by
  
  Cause:
  This warning message appears when you try to execute a sort operation in an SAP list or ALV grid without first selecting (placing the cursor on) the field (column) by which you want to sort the data. SAP requires the user to explicitly indicate the sorting field by positioning the cursor on the desired column before triggering the sort command.
  
  Explanation:
  
  In many SAP list displays or ALV (ABAP List Viewer) grids, sorting is done interactively.
  The system needs to know which column you want to sort by.
  If you press the sort button or use the sort function without selecting a column, SAP cannot determine the sorting criteria and issues this warning.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Place the cursor on the desired column header or any cell in the column you want to sort by.
  Then, execute the sort command (e.g., click the sort button or use the menu option).
  The system will now sort the list based on the selected column.
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  This message is a warning (W), not an error, so it does not stop the program but prompts the user to take the correct action.
  In some custom reports or ALV grids, developers can implement multi-column sorting or provide sort dialogs to avoid this issue.
  If you frequently need to sort by multiple columns, check if the ALV grid offers a sort dialog (usually accessible via the menu or toolbar).
  If you are a developer, you can handle sorting programmatically or provide better user guidance to avoid this message.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Message
  W1160 - Place the cursor on the field you want to sort by
  
  
  Cause
  No column selected before sorting command
  
  
  Solution
  Click/select the column to sort by before sorting
  
  
  Type
  Warning (user prompt)
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with a specific transaction or report where this occurs, please provide more details!