How To Fix 5D253 - Text contains characters not permitted in DME: "&"

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5D - Error Messages for German Infotype Module Pools

• Message number: 253

• Message text: Text contains characters not permitted in DME: "&"

What causes this issue?

The text contains characters that may not be used in data medium
exchange. Only the following characters are permitted:
&V2&
&V3&
&V4&

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5D253 - Text contains characters not permitted in DME: "&" ?

  The SAP error message 5D253 indicates that there are characters in the text that are not permitted in the DME (Data Medium Exchange) format. Specifically, the character "&" is not allowed in the DME text fields. This error typically arises when generating payment files or other DME-related outputs.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the presence of special characters in the text fields that are being processed for DME. The DME format has specific restrictions on the characters that can be used, and the "&" character is one of those that is not permitted.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to identify and remove or replace the invalid characters in the text fields. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Identify the Source of the Text: Determine where the text is coming from. This could be from vendor master data, payment documents, or any other source that feeds into the DME file.
  
  
  Check the Text Fields: Review the text fields in the relevant documents or master data for any occurrences of the "&" character or other special characters that may not be allowed.
  
  
  Modify the Text: 
  
  If you find the "&" character, you can either remove it or replace it with an alternative character (e.g., "and" instead of "&").
  Ensure that any changes made are consistent with the intended meaning of the text.
  
  
  
  Test the Changes: After making the necessary modifications, attempt to generate the DME file again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  Implement Validation: To prevent this issue from occurring in the future, consider implementing validation checks in your data entry processes to ensure that only permitted characters are used in text fields that will be included in DME outputs.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  DME Formats: Familiarize yourself with the specific DME format you are using, as different formats may have different restrictions on allowed characters.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any updates or patches related to DME processing that may address similar issues.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation regarding DME configuration and character restrictions to ensure compliance with the required formats.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully generate your DME files without issues.