How To Fix 00186 - New password cannot begin with '?' or '!'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 00 -

• Message number: 186

• Message text: New password cannot begin with '?' or '!'

What causes this issue?

'?' '!, when used as the first character of a password, have a special
meaning.
For this reason, you cannot use either of these characters as the first
character in a password. Otherwise, it would no longer be possible to
have password-based logons using SAP GUI.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Use a different password.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 00186 - New password cannot begin with '?' or '!' ?

  The SAP error message "00186 New password cannot begin with '?' or '!'" indicates that the password you are trying to set does not comply with the password policy enforced by the SAP system. Specifically, it is stating that the new password cannot start with the characters '?' or '!'.
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs when a user attempts to change their password and the new password begins with one of the restricted characters. SAP has specific rules regarding password complexity and allowed characters to enhance security.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should choose a new password that does not start with '?' or '!'. Here are some steps you can follow:
  
  
  Choose a Different Password: Select a password that starts with a different character. Ensure that it meets any other complexity requirements set by your organization (e.g., length, use of uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters).
  
  
  Check Password Policy: If you are unsure about the password requirements, check with your system administrator or refer to your organization's password policy documentation.
  
  
  Use SAP GUI: If you are using the SAP GUI to change your password, make sure to enter the new password in the appropriate fields and confirm it correctly.
  
  
  Test the New Password: After changing the password, log in with the new credentials to ensure that the change was successful.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Password Policy: Organizations often have specific password policies that dictate the complexity and allowed characters for passwords. Familiarize yourself with these policies to avoid similar issues in the future.
  SAP Notes: You can check SAP Notes for any updates or additional information regarding password policies and error messages. SAP Notes are a valuable resource for troubleshooting and understanding system behavior.
  User Management: If you continue to experience issues, it may be helpful to contact your SAP security administrator or help desk for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to successfully change your password without encountering the error message again.