Error
Error Code:
133
SAP S/4HANA Error 133: Transaction Deadlock Rollback
Description
Error 133 indicates that a database transaction was automatically rolled back because a deadlock was detected. This typically occurs when two or more transactions attempt to acquire locks on the same resources in a conflicting order, leading to a circular dependency where each transaction waits for the other to release a resource it needs.
Error Message
ERR_TX_ROLLBACK_DEADLOCK
Known Causes
4 known causesConcurrent Resource Locking
Multiple transactions simultaneously attempt to acquire locks on the same database tables or records in an incompatible sequence.
Long-Running Transactions
Transactions that hold database locks for an extended period increase the probability of other transactions encountering contention and forming a deadlock.
Inefficient Query Design
Poorly optimized SQL queries or application logic can lead to transactions acquiring locks on more resources than necessary, escalating contention.
High System Load
Elevated system activity and a large number of concurrent users can exacerbate resource contention, making deadlocks more frequent.
Solutions
4 solutions available1. Identify and Analyze Blocking Transactions medium
Pinpoint the exact transactions causing the deadlock to understand the root cause.
1
Access transaction SM50 (Work Process Overview) in your S/4HANA system.
2
Look for processes marked with a red icon indicating an error or a specific status related to locking. Pay attention to the 'Wait for' column to identify which resource is being waited upon.
3
In SM50, select the problematic work process and navigate to 'System' -> 'Status' -> 'Update Task' (or similar depending on your S/4HANA version). This might reveal more details about the locking situation.
4
For a more in-depth analysis, use transaction SM12 (Display and Delete Locks). Filter by user, client, or object to find active locks. Look for locks that are held for an unusually long time or by multiple users on the same object.
5
If you suspect database-level deadlocks, you may need to consult with your database administrator and review database-specific tools (e.g., Oracle's V$LOCK, SQL Server's sys.dm_tran_locks) for detailed deadlock graphs and information.
2. Optimize Application Logic for Lock Avoidance advanced
Modify application code to reduce the likelihood of concurrent access conflicts.
1
Review the custom ABAP code or standard SAP processes that are frequently involved in the deadlocked transactions. Focus on areas where multiple updates occur to the same database tables within a single transaction.
2
Implement more granular locking strategies. Instead of locking entire tables, try to lock specific rows or use optimistic locking mechanisms where possible. This often involves using `SELECT FOR UPDATE` with specific `WHERE` clauses.
SELECT * FROM MARA INTO TABLE lt_mara WHERE matnr = 'YOUR_MATNR' FOR UPDATE.3
Reorder database operations within a transaction. If two transactions are updating tables A and B, and one updates A then B, while the other updates B then A, you create a deadlock. Ensure a consistent order of operations across all relevant transactions.
4
Break down large transactions into smaller, more manageable units. This reduces the duration of locks held and the window of opportunity for deadlocks.
5
Consider using asynchronous processing or background jobs for operations that don't require immediate transactional consistency, especially if they involve extensive data manipulation.
3. Adjust Database Lock Timeout Settings medium
Configure the database to automatically release locks after a specified period of inactivity.
1
Consult your database administrator to determine the appropriate lock timeout settings for your specific database system (e.g., Oracle, HANA DB, SQL Server).
2
For HANA DB, you might adjust the `lock_wait_timeout` parameter. Be cautious, as setting this too low can lead to premature rollbacks of legitimate transactions.
3
For Oracle, you might investigate `init.ora` parameters related to lock management or use `ALTER SYSTEM SET lock_wait_timeout = <seconds>;` (requires appropriate privileges).
4
For SQL Server, you can set `SET LOCK_TIMEOUT <milliseconds>;` within a session or configure it at the server level.
SET LOCK_TIMEOUT 10000; -- 10 seconds5
After adjusting, monitor system performance and error logs closely to ensure the change has the desired effect without introducing new issues.
4. Perform Database-Level Deadlock Resolution (Last Resort) advanced
Manually intervene at the database level to resolve an ongoing deadlock.
1
This is a critical step and should only be performed by experienced database administrators with a clear understanding of the potential impact.
2
Identify the victim transaction in the deadlock. Database tools usually indicate which transaction will be rolled back to resolve the deadlock.
3
Use database-specific commands to kill the session of the victim transaction. For example, in Oracle, you might use `ALTER SYSTEM KILL SESSION 'sid,serial#';`.
4
In HANA DB, you can use SQL commands to identify and potentially terminate sessions, but this is generally handled by the system itself. Direct intervention is rare and requires deep HANA expertise.
5
In SQL Server, you would use `KILL <spid>;`.
KILL 123; -- Replace 123 with the actual session process ID6
After resolution, immediately investigate the root cause to prevent recurrence. This usually involves analyzing the application logic or database configuration.