How To Fix 26018 - Special character * not supported

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 26 - Dokumentenverwaltung

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Special character * not supported

What causes this issue?

You want to change or display a document, and have entered the special
character "*" in the <LS>Document</> field.
This character is not supported for a document number in this
processing situation.
If you are creating a document:
If settings in the IMG support internal document number assignment for
the selected document type, you can enter the special character
"<LB>*</>" at the beginning of the field. The system then
assigns the document number internally.

How to fix this error?

Correct your document number.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 26018 - Special character * not supported ?

  The SAP error message 26018, which states "Special character  not supported," typically occurs when a user attempts to input a special character (in this case, the asterisk ``) in a field that does not accept it. This can happen in various contexts within SAP, such as when entering data in transaction codes, creating or modifying records, or during data uploads.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Input: The asterisk * is often used as a wildcard character in many systems, including SAP. If a field is not designed to accept wildcard characters, entering one can trigger this error.
  Field Restrictions: Certain fields in SAP have restrictions on the types of characters that can be entered. Special characters like *, ?, or others may not be allowed.
  Data Uploads: If you are uploading data (e.g., via LSMW, BAPIs, or other data migration tools), the source data may contain invalid characters.
  
  Solution:
  
  Remove Special Characters: Check the input data and remove any special characters, particularly the asterisk *, from the fields where the error occurs.
  Validate Input: Ensure that the data being entered complies with the field's requirements. Use only alphanumeric characters and any other allowed symbols.
  Data Cleansing: If the error arises during data uploads, cleanse the data beforehand to ensure it does not contain unsupported characters.
  Check Field Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or field help to understand the allowed characters for specific fields.
  Error Handling: Implement error handling in your data upload processes to catch and correct such issues before they cause errors.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or updates related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common issues.
  Transaction Codes: If you encounter this error in a specific transaction, consider looking up the transaction code in SAP Help or forums for more context.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error message 26018 and prevent it from occurring in the future.