How To Fix BF00194 - Invalid character in text "&" in customer system

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BF00 - FI: Application base reports

• Message number: 194

• Message text: Invalid character in text "&" in customer system

What causes this issue?

The system checked the text "&V1&" for non-allowed characters and
determined that it contains a character which is not allowed in a
customer system with the same language settings as the application
server.

System Response

An error message is issued in a customer system, whereas ony a warning
is created in the SAP System. It may be useful for test purposes or for
creating Customizing entries, for example, to allow characters which
would only be permitted for the customer system if the application
server language settings were different.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BF00194 - Invalid character in text "&" in customer system ?

  The SAP error message BF00194, which indicates "Invalid character in text '&'", typically arises when there are special characters in text fields that are not allowed or not properly encoded. This can occur in various contexts, such as when entering data in customer master records, sales orders, or other text fields within SAP.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Characters: The presence of special characters (like "&", "<", ">", etc.) that are not permitted in the specific field or context.
  Encoding Issues: The text may not be properly encoded, leading to the system not recognizing certain characters.
  Data Transfer: If data is being imported or transferred from another system, it may contain invalid characters that are not compatible with SAP.
  
  Solution:
  
  Identify the Field: Determine which field is causing the error. This may require checking the input data or the specific transaction where the error occurs.
  Remove or Replace Invalid Characters: Edit the text to remove or replace the invalid character "&" with a valid character or a space. Ensure that the text complies with the allowed character set for that field.
  Use Proper Encoding: If the text is being imported, ensure that it is properly encoded (e.g., UTF-8) and does not contain any invalid characters.
  Validation: Implement validation checks in your data entry or import processes to catch invalid characters before they cause errors.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that may address this issue, as there may be patches or recommendations from SAP.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP's official documentation for guidelines on valid characters in text fields.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to check the field definitions and constraints.
  User Exits or BAdIs: If this error occurs frequently, consider implementing user exits or Business Add-Ins (BAdIs) to handle text validation more effectively.
  Testing: After making changes, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the issue is resolved and that no new issues arise.
  
  If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.