How To Fix EA718 - The character string & is not a valid XML tag for the IDoc type

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EA - IDoc Basis Messages

• Message number: 718

• Message text: The character string & is not a valid XML tag for the IDoc type

What causes this issue?

The character string '&v1&' could not be interpreted as a tag. A tag
was expected '<XYZ>' or '</XYZ>', where XYZ is the
<DS:GLOS.3526B594AFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>IDoc type</>. The tag '<XYZ>'
must follow after the prolog and the optional DTD declaration, and the
IDoc data and tag ' </XYZ>' must be at the end.

System Response

The file cannot be processed.

How to fix this error?

Correct file &v2&.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EA718 - The character string & is not a valid XML tag for the IDoc type ?

  The SAP error message EA718 indicates that there is an issue with the XML structure of an IDoc (Intermediate Document) being processed. Specifically, the error states that a character string (represented by &) is not a valid XML tag for the specified IDoc type. This typically occurs when the IDoc data is being converted to XML format, and there are invalid characters or tags that do not conform to XML standards.
  Causes:
  
  Invalid Characters: The IDoc may contain special characters or invalid XML characters that are not allowed in XML tags. For example, characters like &, <, or > need to be properly escaped.
  Incorrect Tag Names: The IDoc may have tag names that do not conform to XML naming conventions (e.g., starting with a number, containing spaces, or using special characters).
  Malformed IDoc Structure: The structure of the IDoc may not match the expected format for the specified IDoc type, leading to invalid XML generation.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the IDoc type or the mapping used for converting IDoc to XML.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check IDoc Data: Review the data in the IDoc for any invalid characters or malformed tags. Ensure that all special characters are properly escaped (e.g., & should be &amp;, < should be &lt;, and > should be &gt;).
  Validate IDoc Structure: Ensure that the IDoc structure adheres to the expected format for the specified IDoc type. You can use transaction codes like WE02 or WE05 to analyze the IDoc and check for any inconsistencies.
  Review Mapping: If you are using a mapping tool (like SAP PI/PO), review the mapping configuration to ensure that it correctly translates the IDoc fields to XML tags.
  Check IDoc Type Configuration: Verify the configuration of the IDoc type in transaction WE30. Ensure that the segments and fields are defined correctly and that there are no discrepancies.
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider debugging the process to identify where the invalid XML is being generated. This may involve looking at the code or configuration that handles the IDoc processing.
  
  Related Information:
  
  IDoc Types: IDocs are structured data formats used in SAP for data interchange. Each IDoc type has a specific structure defined in the SAP system.
  XML Standards: Familiarize yourself with XML standards and naming conventions to ensure that the generated XML is valid.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address similar issues or provide patches or updates.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the EA718 error message in SAP.