How To Fix /PF1/MSG_CONV_XML128 - Tag '&' contains invalid format

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PF1/MSG_CONV_XML -

• Message number: 128

• Message text: Tag '&' contains invalid format

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 /PF1/MSG_CONV_XML128 - Tag '&' contains invalid format ?

  The SAP error message /PF1/MSG_CONV_XML128 Tag '&' contains invalid format typically occurs when there is an issue with the XML data being processed in an SAP system. This error indicates that there is a problem with the formatting of a tag in the XML, specifically that the tag contains an invalid character or format.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Characters: The presence of special characters (like &, <, >, etc.) in the XML tags or values that are not properly escaped.
  Malformed XML: The XML structure may not be well-formed, meaning it does not adhere to XML syntax rules.
  Encoding Issues: The character encoding of the XML data may not match the expected encoding, leading to misinterpretation of characters.
  Improper Tag Usage: Tags may be incorrectly defined or used, leading to confusion in parsing the XML.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check XML Structure: Validate the XML structure to ensure it is well-formed. You can use XML validation tools or libraries to check for syntax errors.
  Escape Special Characters: Ensure that special characters are properly escaped. For example:
  
  & should be replaced with &amp;
  < should be replaced with &lt;
  > should be replaced with &gt;
  
  
  Review Encoding: Make sure that the XML is encoded correctly (e.g., UTF-8) and that the encoding declaration in the XML header matches the actual encoding.
  Debugging: If you have access to the code that generates the XML, review it for any logic errors that might lead to invalid tag creation.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  XML Validation Tools: Use tools like XMLLint or online XML validators to check the validity of your XML.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for guidelines on XML processing and error handling.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the error message regarding invalid XML format in your SAP system.