Error
Error Code:
288
SAP S/4HANA Error 288: Duplicate Table Name Detected
Description
This error, ERR_SQL_EXST_TABLE, indicates an attempt to create a database table with a name that already exists within the SAP S/4HANA system or its underlying database. It typically occurs during data migration, custom development, or system configuration activities where a new table definition conflicts with an existing one.
Error Message
Cannot use duplicate table name
Known Causes
3 known causesManual Table Creation Conflict
A user or administrator manually attempted to create a database table using a name that is already assigned to an existing table in the system.
Import/Migration Overlap
During a data import, system upgrade, or migration process, a script or package tried to define a new table using a name already present in the target environment.
Custom Development Error
A custom ABAP program or development object attempted to create a new database table without first verifying if a table with the same name already existed.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Identify and Rename Conflicting Custom Table medium
Locate the duplicate custom table and rename it to a unique name.
1
Connect to your SAP S/4HANA system's database using a suitable tool (e.g., SAP HANA Studio, DBeaver, or command-line SQL client).
2
Execute a SQL query to search for tables with the problematic name. The exact schema might vary, but typically custom tables are in the 'SAP<SID>' schema or a custom namespace.
SELECT TABLE_NAME, SCHEMA_NAME FROM TABLES WHERE TABLE_NAME = '<DUPLICATE_TABLE_NAME>';3
If the query returns multiple entries for the same table name (likely in different schemas or with slight variations if case sensitivity is an issue), identify the custom table that needs to be renamed. Standard SAP tables will usually have a specific prefix.
4
Use the `RENAME TABLE` command to change the name of the conflicting custom table. Ensure the new name is unique and follows your organization's naming conventions.
RENAME TABLE <SCHEMA_NAME>.<DUPLICATE_TABLE_NAME> TO <SCHEMA_NAME>.<NEW_UNIQUE_TABLE_NAME>;5
Update any applications, reports, or custom code that references the old table name to use the new name.
2. Investigate and Correct Custom Development Objects advanced
Analyze custom ABAP development objects that might be attempting to create a table with an existing name.
1
Access the SAP S/4HANA system using SAP GUI.
2
Use transaction code `SE80` (Object Navigator) or `SE11` (ABAP Dictionary) to search for custom development objects (programs, function modules, classes, etc.) that might be involved in table creation or manipulation. Look for keywords like `CREATE TABLE`, `DDIC_TABLE`, or specific table name references.
3
Examine the code within these objects to identify where the duplicate table name is being used. This often occurs during transport imports or custom deployment scripts.
4
Correct the custom development object by either:
a) Renaming the intended table within the development object to a unique name.
b) Ensuring that the object correctly checks for the existence of a table before attempting to create it, or handles the 'table already exists' scenario gracefully.
a) Renaming the intended table within the development object to a unique name.
b) Ensuring that the object correctly checks for the existence of a table before attempting to create it, or handles the 'table already exists' scenario gracefully.
Example ABAP snippet (conceptual):
IF NOT cl_dd_ddl_utility=>table_exists( 'YOUR_TABLE_NAME' ).
// Create table logic
ELSE.
// Handle existing table scenario (e.g., log, skip, or update)
ENDIF.5
Retest the corrected custom development object in a development or quality system before deploying to production.
3. Review Transport Management System (TMS) Logs medium
Check TMS logs for errors related to table creation during transport imports.
1
Access the SAP S/4HANA system using SAP GUI.
2
Use transaction code `STMS` (Transport Management System).
3
Navigate to the import queue for the relevant system and client where the error occurred. Select the import job that failed.
4
View the import logs. Look for messages indicating a duplicate table name error during the import process. The logs will often pinpoint the specific transport request and object that caused the issue.
5
Based on the identified object in the transport, follow the steps in 'Investigate and Correct Custom Development Objects' or 'Identify and Rename Conflicting Custom Table' to resolve the underlying cause.