How To Fix WA885 - Background job & does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WA - Messages from Workflow Event Manager

• Message number: 885

• Message text: Background job & does not exist

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 WA885 - Background job & does not exist ?

  The SAP error message WA885: Background job & does not exist typically occurs when a user or a program tries to reference or manipulate a background job that is not found in the system. The ampersand (&) in the message is a placeholder for the job name or job ID.
  
  Cause
  
  The background job specified by the job name or job ID does not exist in the SAP system.
  The job might have been deleted or never created.
  The job name or job ID used in the program or transaction is incorrect or mistyped.
  The job might have been scheduled in a different client or system.
  The job might have been removed due to system cleanup or archiving.
  The job information might be outdated or the job log has been deleted.
  
  
  When does this error occur?
  
  When trying to display, change, or delete a background job that does not exist.
  When a program or report tries to reference a job that is not present in the job scheduling system.
  When using transaction codes like SM37 (Job Monitoring) or SM36 (Job Scheduling) and entering a job name or job ID that is invalid.
  When a custom program or function module tries to access job details using job name or job ID parameters.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Verify the Job Name/ID:
  
  Double-check the job name or job ID you are using.
  Use transaction SM37 to search for the job with the correct name, user, or date range.
  Make sure you are in the correct client and system.
  
  
  
  Check Job Existence:
  
  Use SM37 to confirm if the job exists.
  If the job does not exist, you cannot perform operations on it.
  
  
  
  Correct the Program or Input:
  
  If a program or report is causing the error, verify the input parameters.
  Ensure the job name or job ID passed to the program is valid.
  
  
  
  Recreate the Job:
  
  If the job was deleted or never created, recreate the background job using SM36.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Sometimes, the job exists but the user does not have authorization to view it.
  Verify user authorizations for job monitoring and management.
  
  
  
  Check for System or Client Mismatch:
  
  Ensure you are checking the job in the correct SAP system and client.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM36 – Schedule background jobs.
  SM37 – Monitor background jobs.
  SM38 – Job monitoring (older transaction).
  SM49 – Execute external OS commands (sometimes related to job execution).
  
  
  
  Function Modules:
  
  BP_JOB_SELECT – Select job details.
  JOB_OPEN / JOB_CLOSE – Create or close jobs.
  JOB_DELETE – Delete jobs.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to job scheduling and job monitoring if the problem persists.
  Sometimes, specific kernel or system patches fix job-related inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Logs:
  
  Check system logs (SM21) and job logs for more details.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WA885 Background job & does not exist
  
  
  Cause
  Job name or ID does not exist or is incorrect
  
  
  Solution
  Verify job name/ID, check in SM37, recreate job if needed, check authorizations
  
  
  Related Tcodes
  SM36, SM37, SM38
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context or transaction where you encounter this error, I can help with more specific troubleshooting steps.