How To Fix GEF_CUST_MSG052 - Input field &1 contains invalid characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GEF_CUST_MSG - Message class for GEF customizing

• Message number: 052

• Message text: Input field &1 contains invalid characters

What causes this issue?

There is at least one invalid character in the input parameter.
Valid characters are letters, numbers, underscores, and colons.

System Response

The program terminated with an error message.

How to fix this error?

Remove ithe invalid character or characters from the input parameter.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GEF_CUST_MSG052 - Input field &1 contains invalid characters ?

  The SAP error message GEF_CUST_MSG052, which states "Input field &1 contains invalid characters," typically indicates that the input provided in a specific field contains characters that are not allowed or recognized by the system. This can occur in various contexts, such as during data entry, file uploads, or when processing transactions.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Characters: The input field may contain special characters, spaces, or symbols that are not permitted. For example, if the field is expected to contain only alphanumeric characters, any inclusion of punctuation or special symbols will trigger this error.
  Field Length Exceeded: Sometimes, the input may exceed the maximum length defined for that field, which can also lead to this error.
  Data Format Issues: The data format may not match the expected format (e.g., date formats, numeric formats).
  Configuration Issues: There may be specific configurations or validations set up in the system that restrict certain characters.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input: Review the input data for the specified field (indicated by &1 in the error message) and ensure that it contains only valid characters. Remove any invalid characters or symbols.
  Field Length: Ensure that the input does not exceed the maximum length allowed for that field. If it does, truncate the input or adjust it accordingly.
  Correct Format: Make sure that the data is in the correct format as expected by the system. For example, if a date is required, ensure it is in the correct format (e.g., YYYY-MM-DD).
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the relevant SAP documentation or help files for the specific field to understand the valid input criteria.
  Validation Rules: If applicable, check if there are any custom validation rules or configurations that might be causing the error. This may require assistance from an SAP administrator or developer.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on where the error occurs, you may need to look into specific transaction codes related to the module you are working with (e.g., MM, SD, FI).
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to GEF_CUST_MSG052 in the SAP Support Portal for any known issues or patches.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can trace the program execution to identify where the error is being triggered.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the correct data entry practices to minimize the occurrence of such errors.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant for further assistance.