How To Fix DB668 - The options CP / NP require at least one masking character

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 668

• Message text: The options CP / NP require at least one masking character

What causes this issue?

You selected the <LS>CP</> (Contains Pattern) option, but the pattern
specified contains no masking character (* or +).

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?

With <LS>CP</>, you must specify a pattern (in the <LS>From</> field)
that contains at least one masking character.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DB668 - The options CP / NP require at least one masking character ?

  The SAP error message DB668 indicates that when using the options CP (Contains Pattern) or NP (Not Pattern) in a database query, at least one masking character must be included in the pattern. This is a common issue when performing searches or queries in SAP that involve pattern matching.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because the pattern you are trying to use with the CP or NP options does not contain any masking characters. Masking characters are special characters that allow for flexible matching in string searches. In SAP, the most commonly used masking characters are:
  
  * (asterisk) - Represents any sequence of characters (including none).
  ? (question mark) - Represents a single character.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that your search pattern includes at least one masking character. Here are the steps to fix the issue:
  
  
  Review Your Query: Check the query or search string you are using. Make sure that it includes at least one masking character.
  
  
  Modify the Pattern: If your current pattern is something like ABC, change it to *ABC* or ABC* or *ABC depending on your search requirements. This ensures that the pattern includes the necessary masking characters.
  
  
  Test the Query: After modifying the pattern, run the query again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Masking Characters: Familiarize yourself with the masking characters used in SAP queries. They are essential for effective pattern matching.
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for more details on using pattern matching in database queries. This can provide additional context and examples.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues or provide updates related to this error message.
  
  By ensuring that your query includes the appropriate masking characters, you should be able to resolve the DB668 error and successfully execute your database query.