How To Fix XW286 - Output contain more than 99 columns - columns will be hidden

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: XW - DART - Data Retention Tool

• Message number: 286

• Message text: Output contain more than 99 columns - columns will be hidden

What causes this issue?

The ALV output is called with more than 99 columns.

System Response

Some columns will be hidden by the system.

How to fix this error?

If you want to display the hidden columns you can change the ALV layout.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message XW286 - Output contain more than 99 columns - columns will be hidden ?

  The SAP error message XW286 indicates that the output of a report or transaction is attempting to display more than 99 columns. In SAP, there is a limitation on the number of columns that can be displayed in certain output formats, particularly in ALV (ABAP List Viewer) reports or standard list outputs. When this limit is exceeded, SAP automatically hides the additional columns to prevent display issues.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the report or transaction is configured to output more than 99 columns. This can happen due to:
  
  The selection of too many fields in a report.
  The configuration of the output layout that includes more columns than the system can handle.
  A custom report or program that is designed to output a large number of fields.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the XW286 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Limit the Number of Columns:
  
  Review the report or transaction and limit the number of columns being selected or displayed. You can do this by modifying the selection criteria or the output layout.
  If you are using a custom report, consider modifying the ABAP code to reduce the number of fields being selected.
  
  
  
  Use Variants:
  
  If applicable, create different variants of the report that include only the necessary columns for specific use cases. This way, you can avoid exceeding the column limit.
  
  
  
  Change Output Format:
  
  If the report allows, consider changing the output format to one that can handle more columns, such as exporting to Excel or using a different reporting tool that does not have the same limitations.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Check the SAP documentation or help files related to the specific report or transaction to understand the limitations and best practices for output configuration.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue through the above methods, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance, especially if this is a recurring issue in a standard SAP report.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ALV Reports: If you are working with ALV reports, familiarize yourself with the ALV grid settings and how to customize the layout to avoid exceeding the column limit.
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional insights or patches related to this error message.
  User Exits and Enhancements: If you are working with custom developments, consider using user exits or enhancements to control the output more effectively.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the XW286 error and ensure that your SAP reports display the necessary information without exceeding the column limit.