How To Fix /PF1/MSG_IPM_E124 - Conversion error: Invalid separator: &1; check file header

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PF1/MSG_IPM_E -

• Message number: 124

• Message text: Conversion error: Invalid separator: &1; check file header

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_IPM_E124 - Conversion error: Invalid separator: &1; check file header ?

  The SAP error message /PF1/MSG_IPM_E124 Conversion error: Invalid separator: &1; check file header typically occurs during the import of data files into the SAP system, particularly when the system is unable to correctly interpret the file format due to an invalid or unexpected separator in the file header.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Separator: The error indicates that the separator used in the file does not match the expected format. For example, if the file is expected to use a comma (,) as a separator but uses a semicolon (;) instead, this error will occur.
  File Format Issues: The file may not be formatted correctly according to the specifications required by the SAP system. This could include issues with encoding, line endings, or other formatting discrepancies.
  Header Mismatch: The header of the file may not align with the expected structure defined in the SAP import configuration, leading to confusion about how to parse the data.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the File Header: Open the file in a text editor and verify the header line. Ensure that the separator used in the header matches the expected separator defined in the SAP import settings.
  Adjust the Separator: If the separator is incorrect, modify the file to use the correct separator. Common separators include commas (,), semicolons (;), or tabs (\t).
  Review Import Settings: Check the import settings in SAP to ensure that they are configured to expect the correct file format and separator. This may involve reviewing the configuration in transaction codes related to data import (e.g., LSMW, BAPIs, etc.).
  Validate File Encoding: Ensure that the file is saved with the correct encoding (e.g., UTF-8) and that there are no hidden characters that could interfere with parsing.
  Test with Sample Data: If possible, create a small sample file that adheres to the expected format and test the import process with that file to isolate the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for the specific module you are working with to understand the expected file formats and import configurations.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as LSMW (Legacy System Migration Workbench) or others that pertain to data import.
  Error Logs: Check the SAP error logs for additional details that may provide more context about the error.
  Community Forums: Consider searching or posting in SAP community forums or support channels for additional 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 conversion error related to the invalid separator in your SAP data import process.