Problem or Known Issue: 

When you save a node, you get the error message "This post can't be referenced"

Often, the highlighted field is one you didn't change.

Why it happens: 

Autocomplete fields — look-up fields with a gray circle on the far right — such as image fields, committee member fields, and attachment fields, let you link to another node in Drupal. When you attach a node using one of these fields, Drupal stores a link to the node.

When you save the node you're working on, Drupal checks to make sure these look-up fields have valid entries.  If the node in a field has been deleted or unpublished, Drupal shows this error.

Solution: 

Look for the field outlined in red. The error message will usually include the field label.  E.g. "Attachments: this post can't be referenced."

Do one of the following:

  • If the node listed in the field is unpublished, publish it.
  • If you no longer need/want the link to the other node, delete the field contents.
  • If the referenced node has been replaced with a different node (e.g. the file the node used to link to has been replaced with a new file node), delete the contents of the field and add a reference to the new node.