How To Fix SCTC_SC163 - Directory contains illegal characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SCTC_SC - CTC System Copy

• Message number: 163

• Message text: Directory contains illegal 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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SCTC_SC163 - Directory contains illegal characters ?

  The SAP error message SCTC_SC163, which states "Directory contains illegal characters," typically occurs when there are invalid characters in the directory path specified in the SAP system. This can happen in various contexts, such as when configuring file paths for data storage, transport directories, or other file-related settings.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by:
  
  Invalid Characters: The directory path contains characters that are not allowed by the operating system or by SAP standards. Common illegal characters include:
  
  Special characters (e.g., *, ?, :, <, >, |, \, /)
  Spaces at the beginning or end of the directory name
  Non-printable characters
  
  
  Incorrect Path Format: The path may not be formatted correctly according to the operating system's requirements (e.g., using backslashes on Windows vs. forward slashes on Unix/Linux).
  Length Limitations: The directory path may exceed the maximum length allowed by the operating system or SAP.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the SCTC_SC163 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Directory Path:
  
  Review the directory path specified in the configuration.
  Ensure that it does not contain any illegal characters or spaces at the beginning or end.
  
  
  
  Use Valid Characters:
  
  Replace any illegal characters with valid ones. For example, use underscores (_) or hyphens (-) instead of special characters.
  
  
  
  Verify Path Format:
  
  Ensure that the path is formatted correctly for the operating system you are using. For example:
  
  Windows: Use backslashes (C:\path\to\directory)
  Unix/Linux: Use forward slashes (/path/to/directory)
  
  
  
  
  
  Check Length:
  
  Make sure the directory path does not exceed the maximum length allowed by the operating system or SAP.
  
  
  
  Test the Path:
  
  After making changes, test the directory path to ensure that it is accessible and valid.
  
  
  
  Update Configuration:
  
  If the directory path is part of a configuration in SAP, update the relevant settings in the SAP system to reflect the corrected path.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or updates related to this error message. SAP frequently publishes notes that address known issues and provide solutions.
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for guidelines on valid directory paths and naming conventions.
  System Logs: Review system logs for additional context or related errors that may help in diagnosing the issue.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis team or SAP support for further assistance.