How To Fix E1309 - Special character '&' is replaced by a blank character

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: E1 - Messages for IDoc Basis

• Message number: 309

• Message text: Special character '&' is replaced by a blank character

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 E1309 - Special character '&' is replaced by a blank character ?

  The SAP error message E1309 indicates that a special character, specifically the ampersand (&), has been replaced by a blank character in a certain context. This typically occurs when the system encounters special characters that are not allowed or are treated differently in certain fields or processes.
  Cause:
  
  Field Restrictions: Certain fields in SAP may not accept special characters due to data validation rules. The ampersand is often used in SAP for variable substitution in text elements, which can lead to confusion.
  Data Transfer Issues: When data is imported or transferred from external systems, special characters may not be handled correctly, leading to their replacement.
  User Input: Users may inadvertently enter special characters in fields that do not support them.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Field Specifications: Review the field specifications in the relevant transaction or program to determine if special characters are allowed. If not, avoid using them in your input.
  Data Cleansing: If the data is being imported from an external source, ensure that the data is cleansed to remove or replace unsupported characters before the import.
  Use Alternative Characters: If the ampersand is necessary for your data, consider using alternative representations or encoding methods that are acceptable in SAP.
  Modify User Input: Educate users on the restrictions of the fields they are working with, and provide guidelines on acceptable input formats.
  Debugging: If you are a developer or have access to debugging tools, you can trace the program or transaction to see where the replacement occurs and adjust the logic accordingly.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its documentation and may have specific recommendations for your version.
  Documentation: Review the SAP documentation for the specific module or transaction you are working with to understand the limitations regarding special characters.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels where other users may have encountered similar issues and can provide insights or solutions.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the issue and following the suggested solutions, you should be able to resolve the E1309 error and prevent it from occurring in the future.