How To Fix WA676 - Error deleting obsolete linkage entries

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WA - Messages from Workflow Event Manager

• Message number: 676

• Message text: Error deleting obsolete linkage entries

What causes this issue?

An attempt was made to delete obsolete event type linkages. An error
occurred.

How to fix this error?

Check the event type linkages. To do this, call
<DS:TRAN.SWETYPV>Display type linkages</> and delete the incorrect
entries manually.
Alternatively, you can <DS:REPO.RSWEDELCPLG>clean up inconsistent type
linkages</>.
INCLUDE NA_WF-ADMINISTRATOR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WA676 - Error deleting obsolete linkage entries ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message WA676: Error deleting obsolete linkage entries:
  
  Error Message: WA676 - Error deleting obsolete linkage entries
  
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs during the deletion or cleanup of obsolete linkage entries in SAP tables. Linkage entries are references or pointers between different objects or data records in SAP. When the system attempts to delete these obsolete or outdated linkage entries, it encounters an issue, which could be due to:
  
  Database inconsistencies: The linkage entries might be referenced elsewhere or have integrity constraints preventing deletion.
  Locking issues: The entries might be locked by another process or user.
  Authorization problems: The user or process attempting the deletion might lack the necessary authorizations.
  Program or data inconsistencies: The program logic or data might be corrupted or inconsistent, causing the deletion to fail.
  Technical issues: Problems with the underlying database or SAP kernel.
  
  
  Where does this error commonly occur?
  
  During data cleanup or archiving processes.
  When running standard SAP programs or custom reports that delete obsolete linkages.
  In modules like SAP Workflow, Document Management System (DMS), or other areas where linkage entries are maintained.
  
  
  Solution / Troubleshooting Steps:
  
  
  Check the detailed error log:
  
  Look at the short dump (ST22) or system log (SM21) for more detailed information about the error.
  Identify the exact table and linkage entries causing the problem.
  
  
  
  Check for locks:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check if the entries or related objects are locked.
  If locked, determine the locking user/process and wait or release the lock if appropriate.
  
  
  
  Verify authorizations:
  
  Ensure the user or background job running the deletion has the necessary authorizations.
  
  
  
  Database consistency check:
  
  Run database consistency checks (e.g., DB utility tools or SAP standard reports) to identify and fix inconsistencies.
  For example, use transaction SE14 to check and adjust database tables or indexes.
  
  
  
  Manual cleanup:
  
  If the automatic deletion fails, consider manually deleting the obsolete linkage entries using SE16/SE16N or custom programs, but only after thorough analysis and backup.
  Be cautious to avoid deleting valid data.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes using the message number WA676 or related keywords.
  SAP Notes might provide patches or corrections if this is a known issue.
  If unresolved, raise a support ticket with SAP, providing detailed logs and system information.
  
  
  
  Check for program updates:
  
  If the error occurs in a custom program or standard SAP report, check if there are updates or patches available.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12 – Lock entries
  ST22 – ABAP runtime errors (short dumps)
  SM21 – System log
  SE14 – Database utility
  SE16/SE16N – Data browser for tables
  
  
  
  Common tables involved:
  
  Linkage tables vary depending on the module, e.g., workflow linkage tables, DMS linkage tables, etc.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Always check the SAP Support Portal for notes related to WA676 or the specific module you are working with.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Database inconsistencies, locks, authorization issues, or program errors during deletion of obsolete linkage entries.
  
  
  Solution
  Check logs, remove locks, verify authorizations, run consistency checks, manual cleanup if needed, apply SAP Notes or patches.
  
  
  Related Info
  Use SM12, ST22, SM21, SE14, SE16; check SAP Notes; consider module-specific linkage tables.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., module, transaction, or process where the error occurs), I can help with more specific guidance.