How To Fix XE028 - Table &1 is blocked by user &2 - no changes possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: XE - Express Delivery Company Interface

• Message number: 028

• Message text: Table &1 is blocked by user &2 - no changes possible

What causes this issue?

This table is <DS:NA.MC601>blocked</>.

System Response

Your changes cannot be saved.

How to fix this error?

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

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 XE028 - Table &1 is blocked by user &2 - no changes possible ?

  The SAP error message XE028 indicates that a specific table (denoted as &1) is currently locked by a user (denoted as &2), preventing any changes to that table. This is a common issue in SAP systems, especially in environments where multiple users or processes are accessing the same data concurrently.
  Cause:
  
  User Lock: The table is locked by a user who is currently editing or processing data in that table. This could be due to a transaction that is still open or has not been completed.
  Long-running Transactions: If a transaction takes too long to complete, it can hold locks on tables longer than expected.
  Deadlocks: In some cases, a deadlock situation may occur where two or more processes are waiting for each other to release locks.
  Background Jobs: A background job may be running that is holding a lock on the table.
  
  Solution:
  
  Identify the Lock: Use transaction code SM12 to view the list of locks in the system. You can filter by the table name and the user to identify the specific lock.
  Release the Lock: If you have the necessary authorizations, you can manually delete the lock entry from SM12. However, be cautious with this approach, as it may lead to data inconsistency if the user is still working on the data.
  Communicate with the User: If possible, contact the user who is holding the lock to determine if they can complete their transaction or release the lock.
  Check for Background Jobs: Use transaction SM37 to check if any background jobs are running that might be holding the lock. If necessary, you can stop the job if it is safe to do so.
  Review Transaction Logic: If this is a recurring issue, review the logic of the transactions that are locking the table to optimize performance and reduce lock duration.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Lock Management: Understanding how SAP handles locks is crucial. SAP uses different types of locks (exclusive, shared) to manage concurrent access to data.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage lock entries.
  SM37: Monitor background jobs.
  SM21: Check system logs for any related errors or warnings.
  
  
  Performance Tuning: If locks are a frequent issue, consider performance tuning of the transactions or reviewing the database design to minimize locking conflicts.
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Encourage users to complete their transactions promptly to minimize lock duration.
  Implement proper error handling in custom programs to ensure locks are released appropriately.
  Regularly monitor and analyze lock situations to identify patterns and address underlying issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the XE028 error and prevent it from occurring in the future.