---
article_id: KB0394371
article_type: Support Note
component_ids:
  - BNS-ARI-SS
  - BNS-ARI-SS-ADU
  - BNS-ARI-SS-EVT
  - BNS-ARI-SS-EVT-LGN
component_descriptions:
  - Strategic Sourcing
  - Strategic Sourcing > Sourcing Events
  - Strategic Sourcing > Sourcing Events > Sourcing Event Registration/Login
  - Strategic Sourcing > User Administration
products:
  - SAP Ariba Sourcing, cloud edition
personas:
  - Admin
  - Supplier
language: en
created: 2025-06-10
updated: 2025-06-17
source: Knowledge Base
url: https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0394371
connect_url: https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0394371?min=1
sap_for_me_url: https://me.sap.com/notes/KB0394371
---

# Error: The username and password entered has already merged to another Ariba Sourcing user account

## Symptom

When trying to register for SAP Ariba Sourcing and access a sourcing event, the system displays the following error:

The username and password entered has already merged to another Ariba Sourcing user account.

## Cause

Your buyer created a duplicate user profile for you in their company's supplier database. The system stops you from signing in because you can only connect your SAP Business Network username to one user profile for each buyer.

## Resolution

Depending on how you would like to proceed, there are two solutions to this problem:

1. Create an alternate username by clicking **Create New Account** in the event invitation.  
   Your new username must be distinct from any currently registered usernames. If it matches an existing username, you will encounter an [error message](https://me.sap.com/notes/0003172356). Keep in mind that opting for this solution will result in having two separate accounts.
2. Contact the buyer and request that they invite your existing account — the one already connected (user profile with **public** status).

If your company already has an account linked to the buyer, but its owner is no longer with your organization or no longer manages your customer relationships, you can ask the buyer to unlink the account and ANID.

## See Also

If you followed these steps and still need assistance, please [contact SAP Support.](https://support.ariba.com/item/view/174605)

If your user profile status is set to **Private** on the buyer's site, your account is not linked to the customer. Conversely, if your user profile status is **Public** on the buyer's site, your account is linked to the customer.

You can find more information in the links below:

[Why can't I access a sourcing event with the username provided by my customer?](https://me.sap.com/notes/0003178526)

[How do I access a sourcing event?](https://me.sap.com/notes/0003177050)

[Why can't I find an event?](https://me.sap.com/notes/0003173200)

[How do I register on SAP Ariba Sourcing to participate in events?](https://me.sap.com/notes/0003172311)

[What are some common issues when registering an account?](https://me.sap.com/notes/0003173231)

## Keywords

duplicate username, duplicate user name, event access issue, login issue, new users, account creation, event participation, registration, first-time users, supplier onboarding.