Learn why SuiteCommerce may block website setup record deletion and follow detailed steps to resolve dependency issues and free up your domain license.
When working in SuiteCommerce, it's sometimes necessary to remove a website setup record - especially if you're trying to reallocate a limited domain license. However, Admins often discover that deleting this record isn't such a simple task. Instead, NetSuite may display an error message indicating the record has dependencies that prevent removal.
At Versich, we’ve guided clients through resolving these types of SuiteCommerce errors. In this article, we’ll walk you through the issue, explain the underlying causes, and provide a reliable step-by-step solution to eliminate the error.
Understanding the Website Setup Deletion Issue in SuiteCommerce
SuiteCommerce Admins attempting to delete a website setup record may run into a problem where NetSuite refuses the deletion request. The common error message says the record “cannot be deleted because it has dependent records” - even when no such records appear to be directly linked.
This issue tends to surface in cases where clients have a single domain license and need to reassign it. Deleting the website setup record becomes essential to release the license. While the intention is straightforward, the process often gets blocked due to hidden dependencies.
What Triggers the Deletion Error?
Our team at Versich encountered this scenario when a client needed to delete a domain record but had only one SuiteCommerce license provisioned. To reuse the license, we aimed to delete the corresponding website setup record.
Here's how the problem manifested:
1. Navigation Path: Go to Commerce > Websites > Website List, then open the desired Website Setup Record.
2. Attempted Action: From within the record or the “Actions” dropdown, select Delete.
3. System Response: NetSuite displayed the following message: *“This record cannot be deleted because it has dependent records.”*
Sometimes, clicking the link to view dependent records brings up an empty list, which can make troubleshooting more frustrating.
Initial Diagnostics: Investigating Dependencies
Even when the dependent records list appears empty, the Website Setup Record may still reference several underlying components. These are usually:
The Configuration Record
Active Extensions
The Extension Activation Record
The attached Domain Record
Successfully resolving the deletion error requires a methodical approach to remove these supporting records manually.
Step 1: Deleting the Configuration Record
There’s no quick way to remove the Configuration Record - it must be done carefully to preserve settings for future reference.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to Customizations > Lists, Fields, Records > Record Types.
Step 2: Search for SC Configuration and choose List.
Step 3: Find the Configuration ID related to the site in question and click Edit.
Step 4: *Important*: Save a copy of the Configuration JSON (e.g., in OneNote or VSCode) before proceeding.
Step 5: From the actions dropdown, select Delete.
Once completed, the Configuration Record will be removed.
Step 2: Remove Extension Activations from the System
To fully remove the Website Setup Record, you'll need to first delete any associated extension activations. Follow these instructions carefully:
1. Access the SC ExtMech Activation Record Go to: *Customizations > Lists, Fields, Records > Record Types*. In the list of record types, locate SC ExtMech Activation using the search or scroll function.
2. View the List of Activations. Click on the list connected to the SC ExtMech Activation record.
3. Find and Edit the Relevant Activation ID. Identify the activation that corresponds to the store you're attempting to delete. Click into the Activation ID to view details.
4. Delete the Activation Record. From the Actions dropdown menu, choose Delete. This action will remove the activation from the system.
Final Step: Remove the Domain Record
The last step before you'll be able to successfully delete the Website Setup Record is to eliminate the related domain record. This is typically the easiest part of the process.
1. Navigate to Domain Management. Go to: *Commerce > Hosting > Domains*.
2. Select the Domain for Deletion. Find the domain you wish to remove and enter Edit mode for that record.
3. Use the Action Dropdown to Delete. From the Actions menu, select Delete. This will eliminate the domain association.
Once you’ve deleted these four elements - site category records, web hosting files, extension activations, and the domain - you should have full access to delete the Website Setup Record without encountering the error.
Additional Resources and Troubleshooting Tips
SuiteCommerce Website Setup Record Showing Warning About Addresses Not Digitally Signed
Activating the Extension Manager | SuiteCommerce
If you run into any challenges with these steps, let us know. The team at Versich updates all support documentation as new developments arise, especially if a missed configuration or new NetSuite requirement surfaces. Your feedback ensures these resources remain accurate and helpful for the SuiteCommerce community.
Connect with a Certified NetSuite Partner
Need hands-on assistance? Versich is proud to be a certified Oracle NetSuite Alliance Partner and Commerce Partner. Our developers and consultants specialize in SuiteCommerce implementations, extensions, and backend customization. Whether you're launching a new online storefront or untangling complex system errors, our team has done it before - and solved it.
As a premier SuiteCommerce agency, we also build advanced customer portals that help manufacturers, distributors, and retailers streamline their workflows. Unlike most firms, Versich doesn’t just promise solutions - we deliver ones we’ve already tested and proven.
Ready to talk about your SuiteCommerce needs? Reach out to Versich today.
