How To Fix GD166 - The name of the template program must begin with &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GD - EDT: External data transfer

• Message number: 166

• Message text: The name of the template program must begin with &1

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GD166 - The name of the template program must begin with &1 ?

  The SAP error message GD166 indicates that there is an issue with the naming convention of a template program in the SAP system. Specifically, the error message states that the name of the template program must begin with a specific character or string, represented by &1.
  Cause:
  The error typically arises when:
  
  A user attempts to create or modify a template program, but the name does not conform to the required naming conventions set by the SAP system.
  The naming convention for template programs may require that they start with a specific prefix (e.g., "Z" or "Y" for custom programs) or follow a certain format.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the GD166 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Naming Conventions: Verify the naming conventions for template programs in your SAP system. Ensure that the name you are trying to use starts with the required prefix or character.
  
  
  Rename the Program: If the name of the template program does not meet the required criteria, rename it to comply with the naming conventions. For example, if the system requires that the name starts with "Z", ensure that your program name begins with "Z".
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the naming conventions, consult the SAP documentation or your organization's SAP guidelines for creating programs.
  
  
  Check Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify template programs. Lack of proper authorization might also lead to errors.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If you continue to experience issues after following the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Naming Conventions: Familiarize yourself with the general naming conventions in SAP, which often include using "Z" or "Y" for custom developments to distinguish them from standard SAP objects.
  Transaction Codes: You may want to use transaction codes like SE80 (Object Navigator) or SE38 (ABAP Editor) to manage your programs and check their properties.
  Development Guidelines: Review any internal development guidelines your organization may have regarding naming conventions and program creation.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the GD166 error and successfully create or modify your template program in SAP.