5G838 - Either First name or Initials must be entered


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: 5G - HR: Messages for Britain

  • Message number: 838

  • Message text: Either First name or Initials must be entered

  • Show details Hide details


  • Self-Explanatory Message

    Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

    To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

    Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.



    What else can you do?

    First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

    Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

    You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.


Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5G838 - Either First name or Initials must be entered ?

    The SAP error message 5G838, which states "Either First name or Initials must be entered," typically occurs when you are trying to create or update a user profile or personnel record in SAP, and the system requires either a first name or initials to be filled in.

    Cause:

    This error is triggered when the required fields for a user's name are not properly filled out. Specifically, it indicates that the system expects at least one of the following fields to be populated:

    • First Name
    • Initials

    If both fields are left blank, the system will not allow you to proceed, as these fields are mandatory for user identification and record-keeping.

    Solution:

    To resolve this error, you should:

    1. Check the User Profile or Personnel Record: Navigate to the relevant transaction (e.g., SU01 for user maintenance or PA30 for personnel administration).
    2. Fill in the Required Fields: Ensure that either the "First Name" or "Initials" field is filled in. You can enter the user's first name or their initials, depending on your organization's naming conventions.
    3. Save Changes: After entering the required information, save the changes to the user profile or personnel record.

    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes: Common transaction codes where this error might occur include:
      • SU01: User Maintenance
      • PA30: Maintain HR Master Data
    • User Roles: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to user profiles or personnel records.
    • Data Validation: If you are importing data or using a batch process, ensure that your data source includes valid entries for the first name or initials fields.
    • SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes or the SAP Support Portal for any updates or patches related to this error message, as there may be specific fixes or recommendations based on your SAP version.

    By ensuring that the required fields are filled out correctly, you should be able to resolve the error and proceed with your tasks in SAP.

    Artificial intelligence solution provided by tomco.ai.
    Disclaimer
    • Do you have any question about this error?


      Upgrade now to chat with this error.


Instant HelpGet instant SAP help. Start your 7-day free trial now.


Feature Free Access Free Trial
Basic SAP error explanation T-Code Explanation T-Code Explanation 2
Step-by-Step Usage Guide Step-by-Step Step-by-Step 2
Interactive SAP Coach Assistance Interactive SAP Interactive SAP 2
AI Troubleshooting for T-Code Errors AI Troubleshooting AI Troubleshooting 2

Related SAP Error Messages

Click the links below to see the following related messages:


SAP messages fall into 3 different categories: Error messages (message type = E), Warnings (W) or Informational (I) messages.

An error message will prevent you from continuing your work - it is a hard stop and you need to fix the error before you can proceed. A warning message will stop your work, however, you can then bypass the warning by pressing the Enter key on your keyboard. That said, it is still good practice to investigate the cause of the warning message and address it. An information message will not stop your work and is truly just for informational purposes.

Click on this link to search all SAP messages.


Rating
The AI Support Assistant is great. It provides comprehensive assistance even on the most difficult issues. I highly recommend this service.
Rate 1
John Jordan
SAP Consultant & Author