How To Fix /PF1/MSG_CONV_XML346 - File cannot be opened. It contains invalid characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PF1/MSG_CONV_XML -

• Message number: 346

• Message text: File cannot be opened. It contains invalid characters

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /PF1/MSG_CONV_XML346 - File cannot be opened. It contains invalid characters ?

  The SAP error message /PF1/MSG_CONV_XML346 File cannot be opened. It contains invalid characters typically indicates that there is an issue with the content of an XML file that you are trying to process in SAP. This error can arise due to various reasons, including invalid characters in the XML file that do not conform to the expected XML format or encoding issues.
  Causes:
  
  Invalid Characters: The XML file may contain characters that are not valid in XML, such as control characters or characters outside the defined character set.
  Encoding Issues: The file may not be encoded in the expected format (e.g., UTF-8). If the file is encoded in a different format, it may lead to invalid character errors.
  Malformed XML: The structure of the XML may be incorrect, such as missing tags or improperly nested elements.
  File Corruption: The file may be corrupted, leading to unexpected characters being present.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Validate the XML File: Use an XML validator tool to check the structure and content of the XML file. This can help identify any invalid characters or structural issues.
  Check Encoding: Ensure that the XML file is saved in the correct encoding format (preferably UTF-8). You can use text editors or tools to convert the file to the correct encoding.
  Remove Invalid Characters: Manually inspect the XML file for any invalid characters and remove or replace them. This can be done using text editors that support regular expressions.
  Recreate the File: If the file is corrupted, consider recreating it from the source data, ensuring that it adheres to the XML standards.
  Use SAP Tools: If you are using SAP PI/PO or other integration tools, check the configuration settings to ensure that they are set up to handle the XML files correctly.
  
  Related Information:
  
  XML Standards: Familiarize yourself with XML standards and best practices to avoid common pitfalls when creating XML files.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to XML processing in your specific version of SAP.
  Error Logs: Review the SAP application logs (transaction SLG1) for more detailed error messages that may provide additional context for the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the error message /PF1/MSG_CONV_XML346.