How To Fix DB657 - Only 'I' or 'E' allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 657

• Message text: Only 'I' or 'E' allowed

What causes this issue?

You entered an invalid value in the <LS>SIGN</> field for options (last
field on line). The permitted values are <LB>I</> (Inclusive) or
<LB>E</> (Exclusive).

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?

Please enter one of these values.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DB657 - Only 'I' or 'E' allowed ?

  The SAP error message DB657: Only 'I' or 'E' allowed typically occurs in the context of database operations, particularly when dealing with database table entries or updates. This error indicates that an invalid value has been provided for a field that expects a specific input, usually related to the status or type of operation being performed.
  Cause:
  The error is generally caused by:
  
  Invalid Input: The system expects a specific character ('I' for Insert or 'E' for Edit) but received a different value.
  Program Logic Error: There may be a bug in the ABAP code or a misconfiguration in the program logic that leads to an incorrect value being passed to the database operation.
  Data Integrity Issues: If the data being processed does not conform to the expected format or constraints, it can trigger this error.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the DB657 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Input Values: Review the input values being passed to the database operation. Ensure that only 'I' or 'E' is being used where required.
  
  
  Debugging: If you have access to the ABAP code, use the debugger to trace the execution and identify where the invalid value is being set. Look for any conditional logic that might be incorrectly assigning values.
  
  
  Review Program Logic: Ensure that the program logic correctly handles the scenarios for inserting or editing records. Look for any places where the status might be set incorrectly.
  
  
  Data Validation: Implement or enhance data validation checks before performing database operations to ensure that only valid values are processed.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Check SAP documentation or notes related to the specific transaction or program you are working with. There may be known issues or patches available.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the error, including the context in which it occurs.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes depending on the context (e.g., MM, SD, FI).
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide guidance on similar issues.
  Community Forums: Check SAP Community forums or other technical forums where similar issues may have been discussed.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the DB657 error in your SAP environment.