# Fishbowl: "Could not delete the purchase order"

> The system prevented deletion of a purchase order, usually due to its status or linked transactions.

## What it means
The system blocked deletion of this purchase order. Typically this happens when the PO is in a protected status (such as closed or approved), or when it's already tied to receipts, bills, or received inventory. Once a PO is linked to other transactions, deletion is usually blocked to maintain record integrity.

## What to check
- **PO status**: Verify the PO is in a status that allows deletion—usually draft or open. Approved, closed, or received status typically blocks deletion.
- **Linked transactions**: Check whether receipts, bills, or inventory receipts reference this PO. If goods are received or a bill is created from it, deletion is usually blocked.
- **Permissions**: Confirm you have delete permission for purchase orders—some roles allow editing but not deletion.

---

*From Israel Lopez Consulting (ILC). Custom Fishbowl Inventory integrations and software, and Fishbowl experts since 2015. Written by Israel Lopez. Questions about this topic, or want to reach the people who wrote it? Visit https://israellopezconsulting.com/contact*