How To Fix EC337 - '&' is not a valid replacement character; use '&'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EC - Development environment: Menu Painter

• Message number: 337

• Message text: '&' is not a valid replacement character; use '&'

What causes this issue?

The generally valid character set does not always include '$'. Since
this can lead to problems on some platforms, '&' is now the valid
replacement character.
At present, '$' is still supported at runtime, but it will become
invalid in a future Release.

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?

Use '&'.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EC337 - '&' is not a valid replacement character; use '&' ?

  The SAP error message EC337 indicates that there is an issue with the use of replacement characters in a text string, specifically that the character '&' is not being recognized as a valid replacement character. This error typically arises in contexts where text formatting or substitution is being performed, such as in Smart Forms, SAPscript, or other text processing scenarios.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Character: The character '&' is being used incorrectly in a context where a valid replacement character is expected.
  Incorrect Syntax: The syntax for using replacement characters may not be followed correctly, leading to the error.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues in the configuration of the text elements or the way they are defined in the system.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Replacement Characters: Ensure that you are using valid replacement characters. In SAP, the correct replacement character is usually '&'. If you are trying to use '&', make sure it is not being escaped or misused.
  
  
  Review Text Elements: Go through the text elements where the error is occurring. Look for any instances of '&' and verify that they are being used correctly. If you are using '&' to denote a variable or a placeholder, ensure that it is followed by a valid identifier.
  
  
  Correct Syntax: If you are using Smart Forms or SAPscript, ensure that the syntax for replacement characters is correct. For example, in Smart Forms, you might need to use &fieldname& to reference a field.
  
  
  Test Changes: After making corrections, test the changes to see if the error persists. If it does, further investigation may be needed.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on using replacement characters in the context you are working with.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Community Forums: Look for discussions in SAP community forums or platforms like SAP Community, where other users may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, consider stepping through the code or process that leads to the error to identify the exact point of failure.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the EC337 error and ensure that your text processing in SAP functions correctly.