How To Fix AQ278 - You cannot determine symbols and icons by entering them

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AQ - Message texts for SAP Query

• Message number: 278

• Message text: You cannot determine symbols and icons by entering them

What causes this issue?

You defined a local field as a symbol or icon and specified that the
field value is to be determined by an entry on the selection screen.
This is not allowed with symbol and icon fields.

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?

For symbol and icon fields, you must always specify a calculation
formula.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AQ278 - You cannot determine symbols and icons by entering them ?

  The SAP error message AQ278, which states "You cannot determine symbols and icons by entering them," typically occurs in the context of using the SAP GUI or when working with certain SAP applications that involve graphical elements, such as icons or symbols.
  Cause:
  The error usually arises due to one of the following reasons:
  
  Incorrect Input: The user may have entered an invalid or unrecognized symbol or icon in the relevant field.
  Missing Configuration: The system may not be properly configured to recognize or display certain symbols or icons.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to access or view certain graphical elements.
  Technical Issues: There could be a technical glitch or a problem with the SAP GUI installation or configuration.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the AQ278 error, you can try the following steps:
  
  
  Check Input: Ensure that you are entering valid symbols or icons. Refer to the documentation or help files to confirm the correct input format.
  
  
  Review Configuration: If you have access, check the configuration settings related to symbols and icons in the SAP system. Ensure that all necessary components are properly set up.
  
  
  User Permissions: Verify that your user account has the necessary authorizations to access the symbols and icons. You may need to contact your SAP administrator to check your roles and permissions.
  
  
  SAP GUI Update: Ensure that you are using the latest version of the SAP GUI. Sometimes, updating the software can resolve compatibility issues.
  
  
  Clear Cache: Clear the cache of the SAP GUI. Sometimes, cached data can cause display issues.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for any specific notes related to this error message.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal IT support team for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  Documentation: Review the relevant SAP documentation for the specific module or application you are working with to understand how symbols and icons are managed.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the AQ278 error and implement a suitable solution.