Issue

The error “Failed to Save Rule” may occur when attempting to create a new ranking rule that duplicates an existing one. This error will be there even if the existing rule is disabled. Disabled Search Ranking Rule (with the same configuration) in Dashboard will affect new Ranking Rules irrespective of site or account level, while saving the new ranking rule with the same query term in dashboard.

 

Environment:
It is a general product behaviour and can be seen in all environments (PROD/STG).

Cause:

The system is intentionally designed this way to: -

• Prevent duplicate rules with the same conditions.
• Allow easy reactivation of previous rules.
• Maintain a history of past configurations for auditing and consistency.

When a ranking rule is enabled, it becomes actively effective in influencing search results as configured. However, when the rule is disabled, it is not deleted; instead, it is retained in a dormant state on the dashboard.

Example:

The customer encountered a message stating - ERROR: "Failed to save rule", while modifying audience = All and Duration = All Time.

As per our observation, the rule the customer was trying to modify already existed (but in a disabled state) -


Hence, as the rule with (audience = All and Duration = All Time ) already existed in the under category ranking, the system will not allow any customer to create the same (even though the existing rule is disabled)

Resolution:

To resolve the error:
1. Go to the Dashboard.
2. Search for any disabled rules with similar settings (Audience, Duration, etc.).
3. Instead of creating a new rule, reactivate or modify the existing one to fit your needs.
 

[or]

1. Delete the existing disabled rule from the dashboard

Conclusion:

The system is intentionally structured to minimise the creation of duplicate rules under identical conditions, promoting efficiency and reducing the likelihood of configuration errors by allowing easy reactivation of existing rules.