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Description

This error occurs when a database operation attempts to drop a column that is currently part of a table's primary key definition within SAP S/4HANA. It prevents data inconsistency and ensures referential integrity by disallowing the removal of critical identifier columns.

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Error Message

ERR_SQL_DROP_COL_PRIMARY_KEY: Cannot drop columns in the primary-key column list

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Direct Primary Key Column Drop

An SQL statement or application process explicitly tried to remove a column that is defined as part of the table's primary key constraint.

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Automated Schema Migration Issues

During an automated schema migration or update, a script attempted to alter a table by dropping a primary key column without first dropping or modifying the primary key constraint.

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Incorrect Table Design Modification

A developer or administrator attempted to modify a table's structure, inadvertently including a primary key column in the list of columns to be dropped, without proper preliminary steps.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Identify and Remove Constraint Violations medium

Locate the specific table and primary key definition causing the error and remove the offending columns from the constraint.

1

Identify the table and the primary key constraint that is attempting to drop columns.

SELECT tabname, constraint_name, column_name FROM syscat.key_columns WHERE constraint_name = '<your_constraint_name>' AND tabname = '<your_table_name>';

2

Examine the primary key definition for the identified table to understand which columns are part of it.

SELECT TABNAME, COLNAME, KEYNO FROM SYSCAT.KEY_COLUMNS WHERE TABNAME = '<your_table_name>' ORDER BY KEYNO;

3

Determine if the columns you are trying to drop are indeed part of the primary key. If they are, you cannot directly drop them while they are part of the primary key.

text: Consult SAP's documentation for the specific table and its primary key structure if unsure.

4

If the columns are essential to drop, you will need to first drop the primary key constraint, then drop the columns, and finally recreate the primary key with the remaining columns (if applicable and desired). **Caution:** This is a significant change and should be performed in a test environment first.

ALTER TABLE <your_table_name> DROP PRIMARY KEY;
ALTER TABLE <your_table_name> DROP COLUMN <column_to_drop_1>;
ALTER TABLE <your_table_name> DROP COLUMN <column_to_drop_2>;
-- Recreate primary key if needed
ALTER TABLE <your_table_name> ADD PRIMARY KEY (<remaining_column_1>, <remaining_column_2>, ...);

2. Review and Correct Data Dictionary Changes medium

Ensure that any manual or automated data dictionary modifications correctly handle primary key constraints.

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If you are using tools or scripts to modify the database schema, review their logic for dropping columns. Ensure they do not attempt to drop columns that are part of a primary key.

text: Review the scripts or configuration files of your data dictionary management tools.

2

When modifying a table that has a primary key, the process should typically involve: 1. Dropping the primary key constraint. 2. Dropping the columns. 3. Recreating the primary key constraint with the appropriate columns (if the original primary key was composed of multiple columns and you are only dropping a subset).

text: Follow SAP's recommended procedures for schema modifications.

3

If this error is occurring during an SAP upgrade or enhancement package installation, it might indicate a problem with the applied SAP notes or a corruption in the system's metadata. Consult SAP Support.

text: Refer to SAP Notes relevant to the specific S/4HANA version and the error context.

3. Consult SAP Support for System-Level Issues advanced

If the error persists after reviewing your changes, engage SAP Support for deeper analysis.

1

Gather detailed information about the error, including the exact SQL statement that failed, the table name, the columns involved, and the context in which the error occurred (e.g., during which transaction or process).

text: Document the full error message, stack trace, and relevant system logs.

2

Check for relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error code and title for your S/4HANA version. Search the SAP Support Portal.

text: Use keywords like 'S/4HANA Error 350', 'ERR_SQL_DROP_COL_PRIMARY_KEY', and your S/4HANA version.

3

Open a support incident with SAP, providing all gathered information. They can analyze system dumps, trace files, and provide expert guidance.

text: Navigate to SAP for Me -> Support -> Create Incident.

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Related Errors

5 related errors

SAP S/4HANA Error 350: Cannot Drop Primary Key Columns