How To Fix WB2B2229 - External reference can be set to new items only. Key &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 229

• Message text: External reference can be set to new items only. Key &1

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WB2B2229 - External reference can be set to new items only. Key &1 ?

  The SAP error message WB2B2229, which states "External reference can be set to new items only. Key &1," typically occurs in the context of managing materials or items in the SAP system, particularly when dealing with external references in the context of material master data or procurement processes.
  Cause:
  This error generally arises when you attempt to assign an external reference (such as a vendor number, customer number, or other identifiers) to an existing item that already has a reference set. In SAP, external references can only be assigned to new items that do not yet have any existing references. The key &1 in the error message usually represents the identifier of the item you are trying to modify.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Item Status: Verify if the item you are trying to update is indeed a new item or if it already has an existing external reference. You can do this by checking the material master data or the relevant procurement documents.
  
  
  Create a New Item: If you need to assign a new external reference, consider creating a new item instead of modifying an existing one. This way, you can assign the external reference without encountering the error.
  
  
  Remove Existing References: If it is necessary to change the external reference of an existing item, you may need to remove the existing reference first. However, be cautious with this approach, as it may have implications on existing transactions or data integrity.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review the SAP documentation or help files related to material management or the specific module you are working with. This can provide additional context and guidelines on handling external references.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unsure about the implications of your changes or if the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), and MM03 (Display Material) to manage material master data effectively.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message in the SAP Support Portal, as there may be specific patches or updates that address this issue.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to the material master data, as restrictions may also lead to errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the WB2B2229 error and manage external references in your SAP system effectively.