How To Fix AM459 - Search string contains invalid character string &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AM - Business Address Services

• Message number: 459

• Message text: Search string contains invalid character string &

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AM459 - Search string contains invalid character string & ?

  The SAP error message AM459, which states "Search string contains invalid character string &," typically occurs when a search operation is performed using a string that includes invalid characters. This can happen in various contexts, such as when searching for materials, assets, or other objects in the SAP system.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the presence of special characters or invalid characters in the search string. The ampersand (&) is often a problematic character in SAP, as it may be interpreted as a placeholder or a special character in certain contexts.
  Solution:
  To resolve the AM459 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Search String: Review the search string you are using and ensure that it does not contain any invalid characters. Remove or replace any special characters, particularly the ampersand (&).
  
  
  Use Wildcards: If you are trying to perform a search that includes partial matches, consider using wildcards (e.g., * for multiple characters or ? for a single character) instead of special characters.
  
  
  Validate Input: If the search string is being generated programmatically or through user input, implement validation to ensure that only valid characters are included in the search string.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help resources for the specific transaction or module you are using to understand the valid character set for search strings.
  
  
  Test with Simple Queries: Try performing a search with a simple string that you know is valid to confirm that the issue is indeed with the characters in your original search string.
  
  
  Check User Authorizations: In some cases, user authorizations or settings may affect the ability to perform certain searches. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions to common problems.
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes, such as those related to asset management (AM) or material management (MM). Knowing the context can help in troubleshooting.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered the same issue and what solutions they have found.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the AM459 error and successfully perform your search in SAP.