How To Fix BF00196 - Invalid character "&" in text &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BF00 - FI: Application base reports

• Message number: 196

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

What causes this issue?

You have entered the character '&V1&' in text '&V2&', which &V3& does
not permit.

How to fix this error?

Check the characters in the text.

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

The following characters are allowed:
0123456789
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
\/,.()-':+?
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Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BF00196 - Invalid character "&" in text & ?

  The SAP error message BF00196 indicates that there is an invalid character, specifically the "&" character, in a text field. This error typically arises when the system encounters special characters that are not allowed in certain contexts, such as in text descriptions, comments, or other fields where only specific characters are permitted.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Characters: The presence of the "&" character in a text field that does not support it.
  Data Entry Errors: Users may have inadvertently entered special characters while inputting data.
  Data Import Issues: If data is being imported from external sources, it may contain invalid characters that are not recognized by SAP.
  
  Solution:
  
  Identify the Field: Determine which field is causing the error. This may involve checking the transaction or report where the error occurs.
  Remove or Replace Invalid Characters: Edit the text to remove the "&" character or replace it with a valid character. Ensure that the text complies with the allowed character set for that field.
  Validation: Implement validation checks in the data entry process to prevent users from entering invalid characters in the future.
  Data Cleansing: If the error arises from imported data, perform data cleansing to remove or replace invalid characters before importing into SAP.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or guidelines for the specific module you are working with to understand the allowed characters for text fields.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE37 (Function Builder) to analyze the data structure and identify where the error might be occurring.
  User Training: Provide training to users on the correct format for entering data to minimize the occurrence of such errors.
  
  By addressing the invalid character issue and ensuring proper data entry practices, you can resolve the BF00196 error and prevent it from recurring in the future.