How To Fix WS_TOOL018 - Variant & does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS_TOOL - Message Class for Web Services and Virtual Endpoints

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Variant & does not exist

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS_TOOL018 - Variant & does not exist ?

  The SAP error message:
  WS_TOOL018 Variant & does not exist
  typically occurs when a user tries to execute a report or transaction with a variant name that does not exist in the system.
  
  Cause:
  
  The variant name specified in the selection screen or program call does not exist in the database.
  The variant might have been deleted or never created.
  Typographical error in the variant name.
  The variant is client-specific and does not exist in the current client.
  The variant is stored in a different user’s variant list and is not available to the current user.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Variant Name:
  
  Verify the exact variant name you are trying to use.
  Make sure there are no spelling mistakes or extra spaces.
  
  
  
  Check Variant Existence:
  
  Go to the transaction or report selection screen.
  Click on the Variants button (or press F4 on the variant field).
  Search for the variant name to confirm it exists.
  
  
  
  Create or Recreate Variant:
  
  If the variant does not exist, create a new variant with the required selection criteria.
  Save the variant with the correct name.
  
  
  
  Check User and Client:
  
  Ensure you are logged into the correct client where the variant exists.
  Check if the variant is user-specific or global.
  If the variant belongs to another user, request them to share it or recreate it.
  
  
  
  Check Program or Report Call:
  
  If the variant is called from a custom program or job, verify the variant name in the code or job scheduling.
  Correct the variant name if necessary.
  
  
  
  Transport Issues:
  
  If the variant was transported from another system, ensure the transport was successful.
  Sometimes variants are not transported properly.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction to manage variants:  
  
  SE38 or SA38 (for reports) ? Enter report name ? Variants ? Display/Change/Create.
  
  
  Variant Maintenance:  
  
  Variants are stored in table VARID and VARI in the SAP database.
  
  
  User-specific vs Global Variants:  
  
  Variants can be saved as user-specific or global (all users).
  
  
  Job Scheduling:  
  
  When scheduling background jobs, variants are often used to pass selection parameters.
  
  
  Authorization:  
  
  Ensure the user has authorization to use or create variants.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WS_TOOL018 Variant & does not exist means the system cannot find the variant you specified. Verify the variant name, check its existence, create it if missing, and ensure you are in the correct client and user context.
  
  If you need help with a specific transaction or report, please provide the program name or transaction code for more tailored guidance.