How To Fix QG171 - Internal program error in string comparison

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QG - QM: Evaluation of inspection results

• Message number: 171

• Message text: Internal program error in string comparison

What causes this issue?

An internal error has occurred in the program.

System Response

Processing was canceled.

How to fix this error?

Please contact your system administrator.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message QG171 - Internal program error in string comparison ?

  The SAP error message QG171, which states "Internal program error in string comparison," typically indicates that there is an issue within the SAP system's internal processing, particularly related to string handling or comparison operations. This error can arise due to various reasons, including:
  Causes:
  
  Data Corruption: There may be corrupted data in the database that the program is trying to process.
  Custom Code Issues: If there are custom ABAP programs or enhancements, they might be incorrectly handling string comparisons.
  System Bugs: There could be a bug in the SAP system itself, especially if you are using an older version or have not applied the latest patches.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the system can lead to unexpected behavior during string operations.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check for Updates: Ensure that your SAP system is up to date with the latest support packages and patches. SAP frequently releases notes that address known issues.
  Review Custom Code: If you have custom ABAP code, review it for any string comparison logic that might be causing the error. Look for any potential issues with data types or unexpected null values.
  Data Validation: Check the data being processed when the error occurs. Validate that there are no unexpected characters or formats in the strings being compared.
  SAP Notes: Search the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error. SAP Notes often provide solutions or workarounds for known issues.
  Debugging: If you have access to the ABAP debugger, you can try to replicate the error and analyze the program flow to identify where the string comparison is failing.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot find a resolution, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the error, including transaction codes, steps to reproduce, and any relevant logs.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may want to check transaction codes like ST22 (Dump Analysis) or SLG1 (Application Log) to gather more information about the error.
  SAP Community: Engaging with the SAP Community forums can also provide insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  Documentation: Review the official SAP documentation for any specific modules or functionalities you are working with, as they may have additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the QG171 error in your SAP system.