How To Fix WB2B2228 - Item with GUID &1: External reference can be set to new items only

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WB2B2 - Trading Contract (part 2)

• Message number: 228

• Message text: Item with GUID &1: External reference can be set to new items only

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WB2B2228 - Item with GUID &1: External reference can be set to new items only ?

  The SAP error message WB2B2228 indicates that there is an issue with the external reference for an item in a business document, such as a purchase order or sales order. The message specifically states that the external reference can only be set for new items, meaning that the system is trying to assign an external reference to an item that is not considered new.
  Cause:
  
  Item Status: The item in question is not a new item. It may already exist in the system, and the external reference cannot be assigned to it.
  Document Type: The document type or the context in which you are trying to set the external reference may not allow for modifications to existing items.
  Configuration Settings: There may be specific configuration settings in the SAP system that restrict the assignment of external references to existing items.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Item Status: Verify if the item with the specified GUID is indeed a new item. If it is not, you will need to either create a new item or modify the existing item without trying to set an external reference.
  Create New Item: If you need to assign an external reference, consider creating a new item in the document instead of modifying an existing one.
  Review Document Type: Ensure that the document type you are working with allows for the assignment of external references. You may need to consult with your SAP administrator or check the configuration settings.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help resources related to external references and item management to understand the specific requirements and limitations.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional context.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to the document type you are working with (e.g., ME21N for purchase orders, VA01 for sales orders).
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create or modify items in the system.
  Testing in Development: If possible, replicate the issue in a development or test environment to better understand the cause and test potential solutions without affecting production data.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.