How To Fix C$201 - & may only contain alphanumeric characters


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: C$ -

  • Message number: 201

  • Message text: & may only contain alphanumeric characters

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  • 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.



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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message C$201 - & may only contain alphanumeric characters ?

    The SAP error message C$201, which states that "may only contain alphanumeric characters," typically occurs when a user attempts to enter a value in a field that does not conform to the expected format. This error is often related to input validation rules set within the SAP system, which restrict certain fields to only accept alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) and disallow special characters, spaces, or other non-alphanumeric symbols.

    Cause:

    1. Invalid Input: The most common cause is that the user has entered a value that includes special characters, spaces, or punctuation marks.
    2. Field Configuration: The field may be configured in the SAP system to only accept alphanumeric characters, and the input does not meet this requirement.
    3. Data Transfer Issues: If data is being imported or transferred from another system, it may contain invalid characters that are not allowed in the SAP field.

    Solution:

    1. Check Input: Review the value you are trying to enter in the field. Ensure that it only contains letters (A-Z, a-z) and numbers (0-9). Remove any special characters, spaces, or punctuation.
    2. Field Length: Ensure that the input also adheres to any length restrictions that may be in place for that field.
    3. Data Validation: If you are importing data, validate the data beforehand to ensure it meets the alphanumeric requirement.
    4. Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help files for the specific field to understand its requirements and constraints.
    5. Error Handling: If you are developing or customizing SAP applications, implement error handling to catch and manage such input errors gracefully.

    Related Information:

    • SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message.
    • Field Definitions: Review the field definitions in the relevant transaction or table to understand the constraints applied.
    • User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the input requirements for the system to minimize errors.
    • Testing: If you are a developer, conduct thorough testing of input fields to ensure they handle various types of input correctly.

    If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant for further assistance.

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