How To Fix W3020 - The release of function module &1 cannot be undone

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W3 - Messages for WebRFC

• Message number: 020

• Message text: The release of function module &1 cannot be undone

What causes this issue?

You tried to reset the Internet release of the function module &V1&.
You can only do this if the function module has been released. The
function module &V1& has not been released.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W3020 - The release of function module &1 cannot be undone ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message W3020: "The release of function module &1 cannot be undone":
  
  Error Message
  W3020: The release of function module &1 cannot be undone
  
  &1 is a placeholder for the name of the function module.
  
  
  Cause
  
  In SAP, when a function module is released (i.e., its status is set to "released"), it means the function module is considered stable and ready for use by other developers or programs.
  Once a function module is released, you cannot revert it back to a non-released (development) status.
  This is a design decision in SAP to ensure that released objects maintain their integrity and are not accidentally changed in ways that could break dependent programs.
  The system prevents undoing the release to avoid inconsistencies or issues in transport and version management.
  
  
  When does this occur?
  
  When a developer tries to undo the release of a function module in transaction SE37 or SE80.
  Or when trying to change the status of a function module from "released" back to "not released".
  
  
  Solution / How to handle this?
  
  You cannot undo the release of a function module. This is by design.
  If you need to make changes to a released function module, you can:
  
  Modify the function module directly (if you have the necessary authorizations and the function module is not locked or protected).
  Create a new version or a new function module if the changes are significant and you want to keep the original released version intact.
  
  
  If the function module is part of a standard SAP delivery (SAP standard function module), you should not modify it directly. Instead:
  
  Use enhancement techniques such as user exits, BADIs, or enhancement spots.
  Or create a wrapper function module that calls the standard one and adds your custom logic.
  
  
  If the function module is custom-developed (Z or Y namespace), you can change it as needed, but the release status will remain "released".
  
  
  Additional Information
  
  Release status in SAP objects (function modules, programs, classes, etc.) is a way to control the lifecycle and transport of development objects.
  Once released, the object is considered stable and transportable.
  Undoing release is not supported to maintain consistency in the development and transport system.
  This behavior is consistent across many SAP development objects, not just function modules.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to undo the release of a function module, which is not allowed by SAP.
  
  
  Effect
  System issues warning W3020 and prevents undoing the release.
  
  
  Solution
  You cannot undo the release. Modify the function module if needed or create a new one.
  
  
  Best Practice
  Use enhancements or wrappers for SAP standard function modules instead of direct changes.
  
  
  
  
  If you want, I can also provide instructions on how to check the release status or how to modify a function module properly. Just let me know!