How To Fix WSUBST021 - Cannot delete all items

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSUBST - Substitution Article Handling

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Cannot delete all items

What causes this issue?

Based on the current Customizing settings, the system could not delete
all items. The period between the substitution date and the current date
is shorter than the minimum retention period defined in Customizing for
entries in the assignment table.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

You can define the minimum retention period of assignment table entries
in the IMG activity <DS:TRAS.S_PR0_40000103> Activate/Process
Substitution Processing</>.

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 WSUBST021 - Cannot delete all items ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WSUBST021 - Cannot delete all items
  
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs when you attempt to delete all items in a document or a business object, but the system does not allow it because at least one item must remain. In many SAP transactions or business objects (such as sales orders, purchase orders, or service notifications), the system requires at least one item line to be present. Deleting all items would leave the document incomplete or invalid, which is why the system prevents this action.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When trying to delete all line items in a document (e.g., sales order, service notification, or other transactional documents).
  When the business logic or validation rules enforce that a document must have at least one item.
  Sometimes during mass changes or custom developments where item deletion is automated.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the document requirements:
  
  Ensure that the document type or business object allows deletion of all items. Usually, it does not.
  
  
  Leave at least one item:
  
  Instead of deleting all items, leave at least one item line in the document.
  
  
  If you want to delete the entire document:
  
  Instead of deleting all items, delete or cancel the entire document using the appropriate transaction or function module.
  
  
  Custom developments or enhancements:
  
  If this error occurs in a custom program or enhancement, review the logic to ensure it does not attempt to delete all items without handling the business rules.
  
  
  Check for dependent data:
  
  Sometimes items cannot be deleted because of dependent data (e.g., deliveries, invoices, confirmations). Make sure all dependent documents are handled before deleting items.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction codes: VA02 (Change Sales Order), IW32 (Change Notification), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), depending on the document type.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP OSS notes for your specific module if this error occurs unexpectedly.
  Business Object Layer: In some cases, the error is raised by the Business Object Repository (BOR) or BAPI layer enforcing business rules.
  Debugging: If you have access, debug the program or BAPI to see where the error is triggered.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: System does not allow deletion of all items in a document.
  Solution: Leave at least one item or delete the entire document instead.
  Check: Document type rules, dependent documents, and custom code logic.
  
  
  If you provide the specific transaction or context where this error occurs, I can give more tailored advice.