When you modify and save a profile, the old status in the database is not overwritten. Instead, a separate version with the changed values is created. The SAP System allocates an individual number for each profile version. For example, when you create a new profile, it has the version number 1. Additional versions are numbered 2, 3, 4,... etc.

The associated profile file at operating system level is only overwritten if this is explicitly specified within the profile maintenance transaction (the system prompts you accordingly when you save a profile). You can only activate the most recent version of a profile. However, you can reactivate old versions by copying them.

For each individual profile parameter that you change, an appropriate comment is stored in that same profile. For example, if user BATCHMAN changes the number of update work processes in an instance profile from 0 to 1. The following entry is made:

Saving, Checking and Activating Profiles

Start Profiles: Changing Instance Services

Default Profiles: Changing Global Instance Parameters