How To Fix SAFTN_XX131 - Special character(s) detected in opening tag &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SAFTN_XX - SAF-T Cross-Module, Cross-Country

• Message number: 131

• Message text: Special character(s) detected in opening tag &1

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SAFTN_XX131 - Special character(s) detected in opening tag &1 ?

  The SAP error message SAFTN_XX131, which indicates that special characters have been detected in an opening tag, typically arises during the processing of XML files or data that is expected to conform to a specific XML schema. This error is often encountered in scenarios involving data exchange, such as when generating or processing XML files for electronic invoicing or other integrations.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the presence of special characters in the opening tag of an XML element. XML has strict rules regarding the characters that can be used in tags. For example, tags must start with a letter or underscore and can only contain letters, digits, hyphens, underscores, and periods. Special characters such as spaces, punctuation marks, or symbols are not allowed.
  Solution:
  To resolve the SAFTN_XX131 error, you should:
  
  
  Identify the XML File: Determine which XML file is causing the error. This may involve checking logs or error messages that indicate the specific file or data being processed.
  
  
  Inspect the Opening Tag: Open the XML file and locate the opening tag mentioned in the error message (the &1 placeholder will be replaced with the actual tag name). Check for any special characters that are not allowed.
  
  
  Correct the Tag: Modify the opening tag to ensure it adheres to XML naming conventions. Remove any special characters and ensure that the tag starts with a valid character (letter or underscore).
  
  
  Validate the XML: After making changes, validate the XML file against the expected schema to ensure that it is well-formed and adheres to the required structure.
  
  
  Test the Process: Re-run the process that generated the error to confirm that the issue has been resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  XML Naming Rules: Familiarize yourself with XML naming conventions to avoid similar issues in the future. Tags must:
  
  Start with a letter or underscore.
  Contain only letters, digits, hyphens, underscores, and periods.
  Not contain spaces or special characters.
  
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or support notes related to the specific module or functionality you are working with, as they may provide additional context or troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Error Logs: Check SAP error logs for more detailed information about the error context, which can help in diagnosing the issue more effectively.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SAFTN_XX131 error and ensure that your XML data is correctly formatted.