How To Fix WS_TOOL167 - Several variants for &1 exist; delete all > 1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 167

• Message text: Several variants for &1 exist; delete all > 1

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS_TOOL167 - Several variants for &1 exist; delete all > 1 ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS_TOOL167: Several variants for &1 exist; delete all > 1
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to create or save a variant for a report or transaction, but there are already multiple variants with the same name or conflicting variants exist. SAP expects only one variant with a particular name or key, but it finds more than one, causing ambiguity.
  In other words, the system detects that more than one variant exists for the object (program/report) you are working with, and it requires you to delete the duplicates before proceeding.
  
  Explanation:
  
  Variants in SAP are used to save input values for reports or transactions to simplify repetitive tasks.
  Each variant should have a unique name for a given report or transaction.
  If multiple variants with the same name or conflicting variants exist, SAP cannot determine which one to use.
  This error message prompts you to clean up the variants to avoid confusion.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the Variants:
  
  Go to the transaction or report for which the variants exist.
  Use the variant management screen (usually accessible via the "Variants" button or menu).
  List all variants for the program/report.
  
  
  
  Delete Duplicate or Unnecessary Variants:
  
  Delete all but one variant with the conflicting name.
  Ensure that only one variant with the intended name remains.
  
  
  
  Create or Save the Variant Again:
  
  After cleaning up duplicates, try saving or creating the variant again.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction SE38 or SA38:
  
  Enter the program name.
  Click on "Variants" ? "Change".
  Review the list of variants.
  Delete duplicates or unwanted variants.
  
  
  
  Check Authorization:
  
  Ensure you have the necessary authorization to delete variants.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  Variants are stored in table VARID and variant values in VARI.
  Sometimes, variants can be client-specific or user-specific.
  If variants are transported between systems, duplicates might occur.
  Regular housekeeping of variants is recommended to avoid clutter and conflicts.
  If variants are created programmatically (e.g., via ABAP), ensure the code handles variant names uniquely.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Multiple variants with the same name exist for a report or transaction.
  Solution: Delete duplicate variants so only one remains, then save the variant again.
  Related Transactions: SE38, SA38 (for variant management), or variant maintenance screens within specific reports.
  
  
  If you need help identifying or deleting variants, you can also use SAP standard reports or custom programs designed for variant cleanup.