Resolving Greyed Out Message Configuration in OS Project Editor

In SIMATIC PCS 7, the message configuration fields and column width editors in the WinCC OS Project Editor appear greyed out and read-only for two distinct reasons: either the project editor activity is set to 'Only configurations capable of online change download' under the General tab, or the alarm system has been managed using the central tool 'Options -> PCS 7 message system -> Configure...' in SIMATIC Manager. When central message configuration has been used, message blocks in the SQL database receive an author lock (CREAT_ID = 10210) to preserve central consistency. To adjust column widths, configure them directly in SIMATIC Manager under Options -> PCS 7 message system.

Author Locking and Central Administration in PCS 7 Alarming

In SIMATIC PCS 7, the alarm logging database must remain consistent across redundant OS servers, engineering stations, and distributed OS clients. To prevent conflicting edits, Siemens implements an author locking mechanism inside the WinCC Microsoft SQL Server database (dbo.MSBlock table).

When a control engineer opens the WinCC OS Project Editor and navigates to the Message configuration (Melde-Projektierung) tab to adjust column formats, widths, or message classes, they often discover that the entire left-hand column list is disabled and unclickable. Understanding how PCS 7 enforces database ownership explains why this protection occurs and how to configure columns correctly.

Why OS Project Editor Message Fields Become Read-Only

Two distinct technical factors cause message configuration to lock:

OS Project Editor Run Setting: In the General tab of the OS Project Editor, there is a setting for 'Activities during project editor run'. If this is set to 'Only configurations capable of online change download', structural message block edits are disabled because modifying message definitions requires a full runtime reactivation, which is incompatible with online delta changes.
Central Tool Precedence (CREAT_ID = 10210): If any engineer has ever executed Options -> PCS 7 message system -> Configure... from SIMATIC Manager, the system assigns a global author ID (CREAT_ID = 10210) to all message blocks. This permanently locks the OS Project Editor and WinCC Alarm Logging from local modification.

The Role of the Central PCS 7 Message System Configuration Tool

When the OS Project Editor fields are greyed out due to central ownership, attempting to bypass the lock inside WinCC is the wrong approach. The system is functioning exactly as designed:

Global Master Location: In PCS 7, message lists must be administered from SIMATIC Manager via Options -> PCS 7 message system -> Configure....
Unified Deployment: Defining column widths, hidden fields, and priorities in SIMATIC Manager updates the master project database. The OS Project Editor then reads these master definitions during its next execution, applying them without manual local intervention.

Comparison of Alarm Block Authorization States in SQL

The table below details author IDs (CREAT_ID) in the WinCC SQL database (dbo.MSBlock) and their corresponding editing states.

Author ID (CREAT_ID)Originating Tool / OwnerWinCC Alarm Logging StateOS Project Editor StateHow to Modify Columns0Standalone WinCC UserFully EditableEditable (if full run selected)Direct edit in WinCC Alarm Logging10210Central PCS 7 Message SystemWrite-Protected (Locked)Greyed Out (Read-Only)SIMATIC Manager -> Options -> Message SystemOther IDSpecialized Add-on / ToolWrite-ProtectedGreyed OutAdminister via originating tool packageDelta Lock ModeOS Project Editor Delta SettingRead-OnlyGreyed Out (Delta Run Mode)Change to Complete Run in General tab

Step-by-Step Procedure to Regain Message Configuration Control

Follow this procedure to properly configure message columns when fields are greyed out in the OS Project Editor:

Method A: Administer Centrally from SIMATIC Manager (Recommended)

Close WinCC Explorer on the Operator Station.
In SIMATIC Manager, open menu Options -> PCS 7 message system -> Configure....
In the Configure message lists tab, select the target alarm list and click Configure.
Modify column widths, add/remove columns, and click OK.
Ensure the Activate checkbox is selected, click OK, and reopen the OS Project Editor to deploy.

Method B: Change OS Project Editor Run Activity (If not managed centrally)

Open the OS Project Editor in WinCC Explorer.
Switch to the General tab.
Under 'Activities during project editor run', change the selection from 'Only configurations capable of online change download' to 'Complete configuration (loss of online delta download capability)'.
Switch to the Message configuration tab: verify that column editing is now active.

Verification

Verify message configuration restoration through the following checks:
1. In SIMATIC Manager or OS Project Editor, confirm that column modifications are accepted and saved without error popups.
2. Run the OS Project Editor: verify that generation finishes with status 'Configuration completed successfully'.
3. Launch WinCC Runtime: confirm that the alarm banner and message windows reflect the customized column widths and arrangements.
4. Open WinCC Explorer Alarm Logging: confirm that message blocks display normal consistent statuses.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never use direct SQL commands (such as UPDATE dbo.MSBlock SET CREAT_ID = 0) on an active production PCS 7 database. Resetting the author ID breaks synchronization between the STEP 7 multiproject and the WinCC runtime database, causing subsequent OS compilations to create duplicate message blocks or trigger database foreign key violations. Always use official Siemens menu dialogs.

Engineer FAQ

Why does setting 'Complete configuration' disable online delta download capability?

Complete configuration regenerates system screens and re-indexes message databases. Because running OS servers cannot dynamically reload core database schemas while operating, a full OS download and runtime restart is required.

Can I configure column widths per OS Client?

Yes, if the client has an independent local project and central PCS 7 message inheritance is decoupled. However, maintaining central consistency is the standard best practice.

What is the author ID 10210 in the WinCC database?

Author ID 10210 is the proprietary Siemens author stamp indicating that the message block was generated by the PCS 7 system tools, protecting it from accidental manual alteration.