How To Fix WZ172 - Task locked against instantiation

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WZ - Workflow: Model objects

• Message number: 172

• Message text: Task locked against instantiation

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WZ172 - Task locked against instantiation ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WZ172 - Task locked against instantiation
  
  Cause:
  The error message WZ172 occurs when you try to instantiate or create a workflow task that is currently locked against instantiation. This means the task is set to a status where no new instances of it can be created. This locking is typically done to prevent the creation of new workflow tasks during certain phases such as maintenance, testing, or after the task has been deprecated.
  Common reasons for this lock include:
  
  The task has been explicitly locked in the workflow customizing or task definition.
  The task is obsolete or replaced by another task.
  The workflow system administrator has locked the task to prevent further use.
  The task is in a status that disallows instantiation (e.g., locked in the workflow builder).
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WZ172 error, you need to unlock the task or adjust the workflow configuration to allow instantiation:
  
  
  Check Task Status:
  
  Go to transaction PFTC (Task Maintenance).
  Find the task in question.
  Check if the task is locked or marked as "No instantiation allowed."
  
  
  
  Unlock the Task:
  
  If the task is locked, unlock it by changing the status or removing the lock flag.
  Save the changes.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Customizing:
  
  Use transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder) or SWU3 (Workflow Customizing) to verify if the task is locked at the workflow level.
  Adjust the workflow or task settings accordingly.
  
  
  
  Transport and System Consistency:
  
  If the task was locked in a development system and transported to production, ensure the transport included the correct status.
  Sometimes inconsistencies between systems cause this error.
  
  
  
  Check Authorization:
  
  Ensure you have the necessary authorizations to instantiate or unlock the task.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  PFTC - Task Maintenance
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWU3 - Workflow Customizing Wizard
  SWI1 - Workflow Log (to check workflow instances and errors)
  
  
  
  SAP Help:
  
  SAP Workflow documentation explains task statuses and locking mechanisms.
  Locking a task is a standard way to prevent its use in workflows.
  
  
  
  Typical Scenario:
  
  When a task is locked, any attempt to start a workflow instance or trigger the task results in WZ172.
  Unlocking the task or replacing it with an active task resolves the issue.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Task is locked against instantiation to prevent creation of new instances.
  
  
  Solution
  Unlock the task in PFTC or workflow builder; check workflow customizing and authorizations.
  
  
  Related Info
  Use PFTC, SWDD, SWU3; check workflow logs with SWI1; consult SAP Notes if needed.
  
  
  
  
  If you need further assistance, please provide the task ID and the context in which the error occurs.