How To Fix 37885 - Unable to format data. Exit program?

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 37 - Screen Painter

• Message number: 885

• Message text: Unable to format data. Exit program?

What causes this issue?

An internal error occurred in the graphical layout editor while trying
to format the data for transmission to the application server.

System Response

The system assumes that the screen data cannot be transmitted
correctly,and therefore asks you whether you want to exit the graphical
layout editor.

How to fix this error?

If you choose "Yes", the program ends. Control returns to the Screen
Painter transaction on the application server, and the alphanumeric
layout editor is started. All changes you made since you last saved the
screen are lost. If you now choose "Settings -> Graph. Screen Painter"
to reset the graphical layout editor, the graphical editor is restarted
on the frontend when you next start the layout editor.
If you choose "No", you can carry on working with the graphical layout
editor and try other operations (such as "Cancel") to return control to
the Screen Painter transaction. If this does not work, you should
choose "Yes" to exit the graphical layout editor.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 37885 - Unable to format data. Exit program? ?

  The SAP error message 37885, "Unable to format data. Exit program," typically occurs when there is an issue with the formatting of data in a report or program. This error can arise from various reasons, including incorrect data types, issues with the data source, or problems in the code logic.
  Causes:
  
  Data Type Mismatch: The data being processed may not match the expected data type, leading to formatting issues.
  Null or Invalid Data: The presence of null or invalid data in the fields being formatted can cause this error.
  Incorrect Field Lengths: If the length of the data exceeds the defined length in the program, it can lead to formatting errors.
  Custom Code Issues: If there are custom enhancements or modifications in the program, they may not handle certain data correctly.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system can also lead to this error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Data Types: Ensure that the data types in the program match the expected types. Review the data being processed to confirm it is valid.
  Validate Input Data: Implement checks to validate the input data before processing it. This can help catch any null or invalid values.
  Review Field Lengths: Ensure that the lengths of the fields in the program are appropriate for the data being processed.
  Debugging: Use the SAP debugger to step through the program and identify where the error occurs. This can help pinpoint the exact cause of the formatting issue.
  Review Custom Code: If there are any custom enhancements, review the code to ensure it handles all possible data scenarios correctly.
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings related to the program or report to ensure they are set up correctly.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE80 (Object Navigator) or SE38 (ABAP Editor) to analyze the program or report causing the error.
  Community Forums: Consider searching or posting in SAP community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered the same issue.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or ABAP development team for further assistance.