How To Fix PO165 - Character number & deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 165

• Message text: Character number & deleted

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?

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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 PO165 - Character number & deleted ?

  The SAP error message PO165 ("Character number & deleted") typically occurs when there is an issue with the character data in a field, often related to the handling of text or character strings in SAP. This error can arise in various contexts, such as when processing purchase orders, sales orders, or other documents that involve text fields.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Character Data: The error usually indicates that a character or a set of characters in a text field has been deleted or is not valid. This can happen if the text exceeds the allowed length or contains unsupported characters.
  Data Corruption: Sometimes, data corruption can lead to unexpected characters being present in the text fields.
  Field Length Exceeded: If the text entered exceeds the maximum length defined for that field, SAP may automatically truncate or delete characters, leading to this error.
  Encoding Issues: If there are issues with character encoding (e.g., UTF-8 vs. ASCII), it can lead to characters being misinterpreted or deleted.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Text Fields: Review the text fields in the relevant document (e.g., purchase order) to ensure that they do not contain invalid or unsupported characters. Remove or replace any problematic characters.
  Field Length Compliance: Ensure that the text entered does not exceed the maximum length allowed for that field. If necessary, shorten the text.
  Data Validation: Implement data validation checks to ensure that only valid characters are entered into text fields.
  Re-enter Data: If the data appears corrupted, try re-entering the text in the affected fields.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or patches that may address this issue. Sometimes, SAP releases updates that fix known bugs related to character handling.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on character limits and valid characters for the fields you are working with.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They may provide insights specific to your version of SAP or the module you are using.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes (e.g., ME21N for creating purchase orders) to navigate and troubleshoot effectively.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the PO165 error in SAP.