How To Fix R7204 - Character string &1 is is not allowed at start of field name &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: R7 - BW: Data basis

• Message number: 204

• Message text: Character string &1 is is not allowed at start of field name &2

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 R7204 - Character string &1 is is not allowed at start of field name &2 ?

  The SAP error message R7204 indicates that there is an issue with the naming convention of a field in your ABAP program or data dictionary. Specifically, the error message states that a character string (represented by &1) is not allowed at the start of a field name (represented by &2). This typically occurs when the field name does not adhere to the naming conventions set by SAP.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Characters: The field name may start with an invalid character. In SAP, field names must start with a letter (A-Z) and can only contain letters, numbers (0-9), and underscores (_).
  Reserved Keywords: The field name might be using a reserved keyword or a name that is not allowed by SAP standards.
  Length Restrictions: Field names in SAP have a maximum length (usually 30 characters), and if the name exceeds this limit, it can trigger errors.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Naming Conventions: Ensure that the field name starts with a letter and follows the allowed character set. For example, valid field names could be field_name1, FieldName, etc.
  Rename the Field: If the field name is invalid, rename it to comply with SAP's naming conventions. You can do this in the ABAP Dictionary (SE11) or directly in your ABAP code.
  Review Reserved Keywords: Make sure that the field name does not conflict with any reserved keywords in ABAP.
  Check for Typos: Sometimes, a simple typo can lead to this error. Double-check the field name for any unintended characters or mistakes.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Naming Conventions: Familiarize yourself with SAP's naming conventions for fields, tables, and other objects. This information can usually be found in the SAP documentation or ABAP programming guidelines.
  ABAP Development Tools: Use tools like the ABAP Workbench (SE80) or ABAP Editor (SE38) to help identify and correct naming issues.
  Debugging: If the error occurs during runtime, use debugging tools to trace back to where the invalid field name is being referenced.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the R7204 error and ensure that your field names comply with SAP's standards.