How To Fix /SAPCND/GEN_CODE221 - Syntax error - the argument for command &1 contains special characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPCND/GEN_CODE -

• Message number: 221

• Message text: Syntax error - the argument for command &1 contains special characters

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 /SAPCND/GEN_CODE221 - Syntax error - the argument for command &1 contains special characters ?

  The SAP error message /SAPCND/GEN_CODE221 indicates that there is a syntax error in a command due to the presence of special characters in the argument. This error typically occurs in the context of condition management or when working with condition tables in SAP.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the use of special characters in the command arguments that are not allowed or expected by the SAP system. Special characters can include symbols like @, #, $, %, &, etc. These characters may be present in the data being processed or in the configuration of the condition.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Identify the Command: Determine which command is causing the error. The error message will usually indicate the command (&1) that has the issue.
  
  
  Check Arguments: Review the arguments being passed to the command. Look for any special characters that may not be allowed.
  
  
  Sanitize Input: If you find special characters, you will need to either remove them or replace them with valid characters. Ensure that the input data conforms to the expected format.
  
  
  Review Configuration: If the error is related to configuration settings, check the relevant configuration in the SAP system to ensure that no special characters are being used in key fields.
  
  
  Test Changes: After making the necessary changes, test the command again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about which characters are allowed, refer to the SAP documentation or help resources for the specific command or function you are using.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP Notes can provide additional context or solutions.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that may help in debugging or analyzing the issue, such as SE80 (Object Navigator) or SE37 (Function Module).
  Community Forums: Consider searching or posting in SAP community forums or discussion groups for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the syntax error related to special characters in the command arguments.