How To Fix COM_DML_ENGINE017 - Invalid character; Only & are allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_DML_ENGINE - MDF Processing Layer

• Message number: 017

• Message text: Invalid character; Only & are allowed

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 COM_DML_ENGINE017 - Invalid character; Only & are allowed ?

  The SAP error message COM_DML_ENGINE017 indicates that there is an invalid character in the data being processed, and specifically, it states that only the ampersand (&) character is allowed. This error typically arises in contexts where certain special characters are not permitted, such as in data fields or during data manipulation processes.
  Cause:
  
  
  Invalid Characters: The error is triggered when the system encounters characters that are not allowed in the specific context. This could be due to:
  
  Special characters other than & being present in a string.
  Incorrect formatting of data being input into a field.
  Data being imported or exported that contains invalid characters.
  
  
  
  Data Validation Rules: The system may have specific validation rules that restrict the use of certain characters in certain fields or data structures.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the Source: Determine where the invalid character is coming from. This could be from user input, data files, or database entries.
  
  
  Data Cleaning: Review the data for any characters that are not allowed. Remove or replace any invalid characters with valid ones. Ensure that only the & character is used where applicable.
  
  
  Validation: Implement validation checks in your data entry or data import processes to catch invalid characters before they cause errors.
  
  
  Debugging: If the error occurs during a specific transaction or process, use debugging tools to trace the execution and identify where the invalid character is being introduced.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Check SAP documentation or community forums for any specific guidelines related to the context in which the error occurs. There may be additional constraints or requirements for the data being processed.
  
  
  Testing: After making changes, test the process again to ensure that the error has been resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Look for SAP Notes related to the error message for any patches or updates that may address the issue.
  Transaction Codes: If the error occurs during a specific transaction, note the transaction code and check for known issues or updates related to that transaction.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels to see if others have encountered the same issue and what solutions they found effective.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.