How To Fix DB635 - The variant name contains the illegal character &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DB - Messages for logical databases and background processing

• Message number: 635

• Message text: The variant name contains the illegal character &

What causes this issue?

You attempted to create a variant with a name containing an invalid
character. The characters "&" and "%" are not allowed in variant names.
Exception: System variants beginning with SAP& or CUS&.

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?

Correct the name.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DB635 - The variant name contains the illegal character & ?

  The SAP error message DB635 indicates that there is an issue with a variant name containing an illegal character, specifically the ampersand (&). This error typically arises when you are trying to create or modify a variant in SAP, and the name you have chosen includes characters that are not allowed.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is the inclusion of the ampersand (&) character in the variant name. In SAP, certain characters are reserved or not permitted in variant names, and the ampersand is one of them. This restriction is in place to avoid conflicts with SAP's internal processing and naming conventions.
  Solution:
  To resolve the DB635 error, you should follow these steps:
  
  
  Rename the Variant: Change the name of the variant to remove the ampersand (&) character. Use only valid characters, which typically include letters, numbers, and underscores (_). Avoid using special characters that are not allowed.
  
  
  Check for Other Illegal Characters: While the error specifically mentions the ampersand, it's a good practice to review the entire variant name for any other illegal characters. Common illegal characters include:
  
  Special characters (e.g., %, $, #, etc.)
  Spaces at the beginning or end of the name
  
  
  
  Use Descriptive Names: When renaming, consider using a descriptive name that reflects the purpose of the variant, making it easier to identify later.
  
  
  Test the Change: After renaming the variant, try to save or execute the variant again to ensure that the error has been resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: For more details on naming conventions and restrictions in SAP, refer to the official SAP documentation or help resources.
  SAP Community: You can also check the SAP Community forums for discussions related to this error, as other users may have encountered similar issues and shared their solutions.
  Transaction Codes: If you are working with variants in specific transactions, familiarize yourself with the relevant transaction codes (e.g., SE38 for ABAP programs, SE80 for development objects) to manage variants effectively.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DB635 error and successfully create or modify your variant in SAP.