How To Fix WS838 - Document &1 has posting status &2 and cannot be reopened

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 838

• Message text: Document &1 has posting status &2 and cannot be reopened

What causes this issue?

Only completed documents can be reopened. Completed documents are
assigned posting status 'R'. The document &V1& has the status &V2&.

System Response

The document cannot be reopened.

How to fix this error?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS838 - Document &1 has posting status &2 and cannot be reopened ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WS838 Document &1 has posting status &2 and cannot be reopened
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to reopen a document in SAP that has a posting status which does not allow reopening. The posting status indicates the current state of the document in the system, such as whether it is posted, reversed, or cleared.
  
  &1 = Document number
  &2 = Posting status (e.g., 'P' for posted, 'C' for cleared, 'R' for reversed)
  
  Typically, documents that are already posted or cleared cannot be reopened for editing or changes because they are considered finalized in the system.
  
  Common Causes:
  
  The document has already been posted and is locked from further changes.
  The document has been cleared or reversed, making it impossible to reopen.
  The business process or configuration does not allow reopening documents with the current posting status.
  Attempting to reopen a document in a transaction or program that does not support reopening for the document’s status.
  
  
  Solution / How to Resolve:
  
  
  Check the Posting Status:
  
  Use transaction codes like FB03 (Display Document) to check the document status.
  Verify if the document is posted, cleared, or reversed.
  
  
  
  Understand Business Process:
  
  Confirm if reopening the document is allowed as per your company’s business rules.
  Some documents are not allowed to be reopened once posted for audit and control reasons.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction:
  
  If you need to make changes, consider reversing the document first using FB08 (Reverse Document) or F.80 (Clear Document).
  After reversal, you may be able to create a new document or make necessary adjustments.
  
  
  
  Consult Configuration:
  
  Check if the document type or posting status is configured to allow reopening.
  This might require changes in customizing (SPRO) under Financial Accounting settings.
  
  
  
  Alternative Approach:
  
  If reopening is not possible, create a correcting document or adjustment entry.
  Use credit memos, debit memos, or other correction mechanisms as per your process.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure you have the necessary authorizations to reopen or reverse documents.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  FB03 – Display Document
  FB08 – Reverse Document
  F.80 – Clear Document
  FBRA – Reset Cleared Items (if applicable)
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to document posting and reopening restrictions.
  
  
  Posting Statuses:
  
  'P' = Posted
  'C' = Cleared
  'R' = Reversed
  Other statuses may exist depending on module and configuration.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WS838 indicates that the document you are trying to reopen is in a posting status that does not permit reopening. The typical solution is to reverse or clear the document first, or create a correcting document, depending on your business process and system configuration.
  
  If you provide the exact document number and posting status, I can help you with more specific guidance.