How To Fix WS_TOOL415 - Error while deleting object & of type &: Main node entry is missing

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 415

• Message text: Error while deleting object & of type &: Main node entry is missing

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS_TOOL415 - Error while deleting object & of type &: Main node entry is missing ?

  The SAP error message:
  WS_TOOL415 Error while deleting object & of type &: Main node entry is missing
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs in the SAP Workflow (SWU3 or SWDD) or Business Workplace (SBWP) environment when trying to delete a workflow object or related object instance, and the system cannot find the main node entry in the database tables that represent the workflow container or object. 
  In other words, the workflow container or the main node (which holds the key data for the object) is missing or corrupted. This can happen due to:
  
  Inconsistent or incomplete workflow container data.
  The object instance has already been deleted or partially deleted.
  Database inconsistencies or missing entries in workflow container tables (e.g., SWWWIHEAD, SWWCONT, SWWWIHEAD).
  Custom workflow objects or container elements that are not properly maintained.
  
  Explanation:
  
  The "main node entry" refers to the primary container node that holds the data for the workflow object.
  When deleting an object, SAP tries to delete the main node entry first.
  If this entry is missing, the deletion process fails, resulting in this error.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Workflow Container Consistency:
  
  Use transaction SWU3 (Workflow Customizing) to check and fix workflow customizing inconsistencies.
  Run the workflow consistency check reports such as RWSCON00 or RWSCON01 to identify and fix inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Check and Repair Database Entries:
  
  Check the workflow tables (SWWWIHEAD, SWWCONT, SWWWIHEAD) for the object instance.
  If you find orphaned or inconsistent entries, you may need to delete or correct them manually (with caution and preferably in consultation with SAP Basis or Workflow experts).
  
  
  
  Use SAP Standard Reports:
  
  Use report RWSKDEL00 to delete workflow instances safely.
  Use report RWSKDEL01 to delete workflow container entries.
  These reports help clean up inconsistent or stuck workflow objects.
  
  
  
  Recreate or Reset the Workflow Object:
  
  If the object is custom, check the workflow container definition and ensure the main node is correctly defined.
  Re-import or re-activate the workflow if necessary.
  
  
  
  Check for OSS Notes:
  
  Search SAP OSS Notes for WS_TOOL415 or related workflow container errors.
  Some known SAP Notes provide patches or instructions for specific versions.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Tables involved:
  
  SWWWIHEAD - Workflow Instance Header
  SWWCONT - Workflow Container Entries
  SWWWIHEAD - Workflow Instance Header (main node info)
  
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWU3 - Workflow Customizing
  SBWP - Business Workplace (for workflow inbox)
  SWI1 - Workflow Log
  
  
  
  Reports:
  
  RWSCON00 - Workflow Consistency Check
  RWSKDEL00 - Delete Workflow Instances
  RWSKDEL01 - Delete Workflow Container Entries
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes related to WS_TOOL415 or workflow container inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Missing or inconsistent main node entry in workflow container during object deletion.
  
  
  Solution
  Run workflow consistency checks, use standard deletion reports, repair or delete orphaned entries, check workflow container definitions.
  
  
  Related
  Tables: SWWWIHEAD, SWWCONT; Transactions: SWU3, SWDD; Reports: RWSCON00, RWSKDEL00
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact object type and ID, or the context in which the error occurs, I can help with more specific steps.