How To Fix WA163 - Change document &1 does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WA - Messages from Workflow Event Manager

• Message number: 163

• Message text: Change document &1 does not exist

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WA163 - Change document &1 does not exist ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WA163 - Change document &1 does not exist
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when the system tries to access or display a change document with a specific document number (represented by &1), but the change document does not exist in the database. This can happen due to:
  
  The change document number being incorrect or mistyped.
  The change document was never created or has been deleted.
  The change document number refers to a document from a different client or system.
  Inconsistent or incomplete data in the change document tables (e.g., CDHDR, CDPOS).
  Attempting to display change documents for an object or transaction that does not generate change documents.
  
  
  Explanation:
  Change documents in SAP are used to track changes to master data or customizing settings. They are stored mainly in the tables:
  
  CDHDR (Change Document Header)
  CDPOS (Change Document Positions)
  
  When a program or transaction tries to display or process a change document, it looks up the document number in these tables. If the document number is not found, the system issues this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Verify the Change Document Number:
  
  Check if the change document number you are trying to access is correct.
  Ensure that the document number exists in table CDHDR.
  You can use transaction SE16/SE16N or SE11 to look up the document number in CDHDR.
  
  
  
  Check the Object and Transaction:
  
  Confirm that the object or transaction you are working with actually generates change documents.
  Some objects or transactions do not create change documents, so trying to display them will cause this error.
  
  
  
  Check Client and System:
  
  Make sure you are in the correct client and system where the change document was created.
  Change documents are client-specific.
  
  
  
  Data Consistency:
  
  If you suspect data inconsistency, check for inconsistencies in CDHDR and CDPOS tables.
  Run standard SAP consistency checks or database consistency tools if available.
  
  
  
  Recreate or Regenerate Change Documents (if applicable):
  
  In some cases, change documents can be regenerated by re-executing the transaction or program that creates them.
  This is rare and depends on the business process.
  
  
  
  Check for Custom Code or Enhancements:
  
  If the error occurs in a custom program or enhancement, verify that the code correctly handles change document numbers.
  Debug the program to see why it is requesting a non-existent change document.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Tables: CDHDR (Change Document Header), CDPOS (Change Document Items)
  Transactions:  
  
  SE16 / SE16N (Data Browser to check CDHDR/CDPOS)  
  SCDO (Change Document Objects) – to check which objects generate change documents  
  SCU3 (Display Change Documents) – to display change documents for specific objects  
  
  
  Notes and Documentation:  
  
  SAP Notes related to change document inconsistencies or errors.  
  SAP Help Portal documentation on Change Documents.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error "WA163 Change document &1 does not exist" means the system cannot find the specified change document number. Verify the document number, ensure the object generates change documents, check client and system, and investigate data consistency to resolve the issue.