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

00186 - Overview

• 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.

00186 - Details

• 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