How To Fix WA851 - Background job & deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WA - Messages from Workflow Event Manager

• Message number: 851

• Message text: Background job & deleted

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WA851 - Background job & deleted ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WA851 - Background job & deleted
  
  Cause:
  The error message WA851 occurs when a background job that you are trying to access or manage has already been deleted from the system. This typically happens if:
  
  The job was manually deleted by a user or administrator.
  The job was automatically deleted by the system after its retention period expired.
  The job never existed or the job name/ID specified is incorrect.
  
  In other words, the system cannot find the background job because it no longer exists in the job logs or job repository.
  
  Explanation:
  
  Background jobs in SAP are scheduled tasks that run in the background.
  Each job has a unique job name and job number.
  When you try to display, change, or monitor a job that has been deleted, SAP throws the WA851 message indicating the job is no longer available.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Verify Job Existence:
  
  Use transaction SM37 (Job Monitoring) to check if the job exists.
  Enter the job name, user, and date range to search for the job.
  If no job is found, it confirms the job has been deleted or never existed.
  
  
  
  Check Job Name and Number:
  
  Ensure you are using the correct job name and job number.
  Sometimes typos or incorrect job IDs cause this error.
  
  
  
  Recreate the Job:
  
  If the job is deleted and you need it, recreate the background job using transaction SM36.
  Schedule the job again with the required steps and parameters.
  
  
  
  Check Job Retention Settings:
  
  Background jobs are deleted automatically after a retention period.
  You can adjust the retention period in transaction SM37 by setting the "Delete after" parameter.
  Alternatively, check if any job deletion programs or housekeeping jobs are removing jobs prematurely.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Sometimes, authorization issues can cause problems accessing job details.
  Ensure you have the necessary authorizations to view or manage background jobs.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM37 - Job Monitoring (to view job status and logs)
  SM36 - Job Scheduling (to create background jobs)
  SM38 - Job Selection (to select jobs for deletion or monitoring)
  SM49 - Execute external commands (sometimes used in job steps)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to job management if the problem persists.
  For example, SAP Note 0000000 (replace with actual note number if known) might provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Job Logs and Spool:
  
  If the job existed but logs/spool are deleted, you might see similar issues.
  Ensure job logs are retained as needed.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Background job was deleted or does not exist.
  
  
  Effect
  Cannot display or manage the job; WA851 error appears.
  
  
  Solution
  Verify job existence in SM37, correct job name/number, recreate job if needed, adjust retention settings.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact scenario or transaction where you encounter WA851, I can help with more tailored advice.