How To Fix 5C188 - Symbol &1 can often appear, but has no text element

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5C - HR: Messages for Switzerland

• Message number: 188

• Message text: Symbol &1 can often appear, but has no text element

What causes this issue?

No text element was defined for symbol &V1&.
Multiple values for this symbol can be based on the key date, as it is
derived from infotype &V2& (time constraint &V3&). Information is lost,
because the symbol is only displayed once.

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?

Check the symbol assignment for &V1&. If required, specify a text
element and display the symbol in window MAIN.
Often, specifying the subtype during the assignment is sufficient.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5C188 - Symbol &1 can often appear, but has no text element ?

  The SAP error message 5C188, which states "Symbol &1 can often appear, but has no text element," typically indicates that there is a missing text element for a symbol in the SAP system. This can occur in various contexts, such as during the execution of a program, report, or transaction where a specific symbol is expected to have a corresponding text description but does not.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Text Element: The most common cause is that the text element for the specified symbol (represented by &1) is not defined in the system. This can happen if the symbol is used in a program or report but has not been properly configured with a corresponding text entry.
  Custom Development: If the error arises from custom ABAP code, it may indicate that the developer did not provide a text element for a symbol that was defined in the code.
  Transport Issues: If the program or report was transported from one system to another (e.g., from development to production), the text elements may not have been included in the transport request.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Symbol Definition: Verify the definition of the symbol in the relevant program or report. Ensure that there is a corresponding text element defined for it.
  Add Missing Text Element: If the text element is missing, you can add it using transaction SE63 (Translation) or SE11 (Data Dictionary) depending on where the symbol is defined.
  Review Custom Code: If the error is coming from custom ABAP code, review the code to ensure that all symbols used have corresponding text elements defined.
  Transport Check: If the issue arose after a transport, check the transport logs to ensure that all necessary objects, including text elements, were included in the transport request.
  Consult Documentation: If the symbol is part of a standard SAP program, consult SAP documentation or support to see if there are known issues or patches related to the error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: SE80 (Object Navigator), SE38 (ABAP Editor), SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE63 (Translation).
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional context.
  Debugging: If you have access to the ABAP debugger, you can set breakpoints to analyze the program flow and identify where the symbol is being called without a corresponding text element.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis or ABAP development team for further assistance.