How To Fix WS253 - Header data for type &1 does not exist (internal error)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 253

• Message text: Header data for type &1 does not exist (internal error)

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS253 - Header data for type &1 does not exist (internal error) ?

  The SAP error message:
  WS253 Header data for type &1 does not exist (internal error)
  typically occurs in the context of workflow processing or when dealing with business object types in SAP.
  
  Cause
  
  The error indicates that the system is trying to access or process header data for a specific object type (represented by &1), but the header data for that object type is missing or not maintained.
  This usually happens when the workflow engine or a related function module expects certain header data (metadata or control data) for a business object type, but it cannot find it in the system tables.
  Possible reasons include:
  
  The business object type is not properly defined or registered in the system.
  The workflow container or the object type configuration is incomplete or corrupted.
  Custom object types or extensions have not been fully maintained.
  Inconsistent or missing entries in tables like SOBJ (Business Object Repository) or related workflow tables.
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check Business Object Type Definition:
  
  Use transaction SWO1 to check the business object type mentioned in the error message.
  Verify that the object type exists and is correctly defined.
  If it is a custom object, ensure it has been properly created and activated.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Container and Binding:
  
  If the error occurs during workflow execution, check the workflow container and the binding of the object type.
  Make sure the workflow is expecting the correct object type and that the container elements are properly defined.
  
  
  
  Recreate or Repair Object Type:
  
  If the object type is corrupted or incomplete, try to recreate or repair it.
  Sometimes, re-importing or re-activating the business object type can help.
  
  
  
  Check Tables and Data Consistency:
  
  Check tables like SOBJ for the presence of the object type.
  If entries are missing or inconsistent, consider restoring from a backup or re-importing the object type.
  
  
  
  Apply SAP Notes:
  
  Search the SAP Support Portal for notes related to error WS253.
  There might be specific SAP Notes addressing this internal error for your SAP version.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If you have development access, debug the workflow or the function module where the error occurs to identify exactly where the header data is missing.
  This can help pinpoint the missing configuration or data.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction SWO1: Business Object Builder — to check and maintain business object types.
  Tables:
  
  SOBJ — Business Object Repository table.
  Workflow related tables like SWWWIHEAD, SWWCONT, etc.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Search for "WS253" or "Header data for type does not exist" on the SAP Support Portal.
  Common Context: Workflow processing, Business Object Repository, Custom object types.
  
  
  If you provide the exact object type name (the value of &1), I can help you with more specific instructions.