How To Fix WE044 - Read-only data

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WE - Messages for EAN Customizing and for EAN management in MM_BD

• Message number: 044

• Message text: Read-only data

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE044 - Read-only data ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WE044 - Read-only data
  
  Cause:
  The error message WE044 - Read-only data typically occurs when there is an attempt to modify or update data that is set as read-only in the system. In the context of SAP IDocs (Intermediate Documents), this usually means that the IDoc or a segment of the IDoc is locked or flagged as read-only, preventing any changes or updates.
  Common scenarios causing this error include:  
  
  Trying to change an IDoc that is already processed or locked.  
  Attempting to edit IDoc data in a status that does not allow modifications (e.g., status 03 - Data passed to port, or status 12 - Dispatch OK).  
  The IDoc is in a system state where editing is restricted to maintain data integrity.  
  The user or program does not have the necessary authorizations to modify the IDoc.  
  The IDoc is being processed by another process or transaction, causing it to be locked.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WE044 - Read-only data error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check IDoc Status:
  
  Verify the status of the IDoc using transaction WE02 or WE05. If the IDoc is in a status that does not allow editing (e.g., processed or dispatched), you cannot modify it directly.
  
  
  Unlock the IDoc:
  
  If the IDoc is locked by another process, wait for the process to complete or manually unlock it if appropriate. You can check locks using transaction SM12 and delete locks if you are sure it is safe.
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction for Editing:
  
  Use the appropriate transaction to reprocess or edit IDocs, such as WE19 (Test tool for IDocs), which allows you to create or modify IDocs for testing purposes.
  
  
  Change IDoc Status (if necessary and safe):
  
  Sometimes, changing the status of the IDoc to a modifiable status (e.g., status 30 - IDoc ready for dispatch) can allow editing. This should be done carefully, usually via program or function modules like IDOC_STATUS_WRITE.
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure the user has the necessary authorizations to edit or process IDocs.
  
  
  Recreate the IDoc:
  
  If modification is not possible, consider creating a new IDoc with the correct data.
  
  
  Review Custom Code:
  
  If the error occurs during custom processing or user exits, review the code to ensure it does not attempt to modify read-only IDoc data.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  WE02 / WE05: Display IDocs  
  WE19: IDoc Test Tool (for creating and editing IDocs)  
  SM12: Display and delete locks  
  BD87: Reprocess IDocs
  
  
  
  Function Modules:  
  
  IDOC_STATUS_WRITE - To change IDoc status programmatically  
  IDOC_INBOUND_WRITE_TO_DB - To write inbound IDoc data
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to IDoc processing and locking issues for your specific SAP version.
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Help Portal and SAP Community Network (SCN) have extensive documentation and discussions on IDoc processing and error handling.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  The WE044 - Read-only data error occurs when attempting to modify IDoc data that is locked or in a non-editable status. The solution involves checking the IDoc status, ensuring no locks exist, using the correct tools and authorizations, and possibly changing the IDoc status or recreating the IDoc if necessary.