How To Fix PO338 - OTF module: Character set conversion &1 -> &2 failed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 338

• Message text: OTF module: Character set conversion &1 -> &2 failed

What causes this issue?

The SAPscript printer driver could not convert the SAPscript OTF
character set into the character set of the output device. If the text
can be printed, characters that are not in both character sets will be
printed incorrectly.
Possible causes of the error: The character set of the output device is
not defined in the spool system; The specifications for the printer
driver and/or character set in the definition of the device type are
incorrect.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO338 - OTF module: Character set conversion &1 -> &2 failed ?

  The SAP error message PO338 indicates that there is a problem with character set conversion in the OTF (Output Text Format) module. This typically occurs when the system is trying to convert data from one character set to another, and the conversion fails. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Incompatible Character Sets: The source and target character sets may not be compatible. For example, if the source data contains characters that cannot be represented in the target character set, the conversion will fail.
  Data Corruption: The data being processed may be corrupted or contain invalid characters that cannot be converted.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the character sets in the SAP system, such as incorrect settings in the output device or printer configuration.
  Language Settings: The language settings for the user or the document may not match the character set being used.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Character Set Compatibility: Verify that the character sets being used for the source and target are compatible. You can check the character set settings in the SAP system and ensure they are correctly configured.
  Review Output Device Settings: Go to the output device configuration (transaction SPAD) and check the character set settings. Ensure that the output device supports the character set you are trying to use.
  Data Validation: Inspect the data being processed for any invalid or special characters that may not be supported by the target character set. Clean or modify the data as necessary.
  Adjust Language Settings: Ensure that the language settings for the user and the document match the expected character set. You can check user parameters in transaction SU01.
  Use Alternative Output Formats: If the issue persists, consider using a different output format that may not require character set conversion, such as PDF or other formats that handle a wider range of characters.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like SPAD (Spool Administration) to manage output devices and their settings.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on character sets and OTF processing.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to contact SAP support for further assistance.