How To Fix /SMB/SC_MAIN188 - Illegal XML structure

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SMB/SC_MAIN -

• Message number: 188

• Message text: Illegal XML structure

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SMB/SC_MAIN188 - Illegal XML structure ?

  The SAP error message /SMB/SC_MAIN188 Illegal XML structure typically indicates that there is an issue with the XML data being processed in the SAP system. This error can occur in various scenarios, particularly when dealing with XML data imports or exports, such as in integration scenarios or when using SAP Business One.
  Causes:
  
  Malformed XML: The XML structure may not conform to the expected schema or format. This could be due to missing tags, incorrect nesting, or invalid characters.
  Encoding Issues: The XML file may have encoding problems, such as using an unsupported character set.
  Schema Mismatch: The XML data may not match the expected schema defined in the SAP system, leading to validation errors.
  Data Type Mismatches: The data types in the XML may not align with what the SAP system expects (e.g., a string where a number is expected).
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be configuration issues in the SAP system related to the XML processing settings.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Validate XML Structure: Use an XML validator tool to check the structure of the XML file. Ensure that it adheres to the expected schema.
  Check Encoding: Ensure that the XML file is saved with the correct encoding (usually UTF-8) and does not contain any unsupported characters.
  Review Schema Definitions: Compare the XML data against the expected schema in SAP. Make sure all required fields are present and correctly formatted.
  Debugging: If possible, enable debugging or logging in the SAP system to get more detailed error messages that can help identify the specific issue.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or guides related to the specific module or integration scenario you are working with to ensure compliance with expected formats.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance, especially if you suspect a bug or a deeper system issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the error message. SAP Notes often provide solutions or workarounds for specific error messages.
  Integration Scenarios: If you are working with integration scenarios (e.g., SAP PI/PO, SAP Cloud Platform Integration), ensure that the mappings and transformations are correctly set up.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By addressing the potential causes and following the suggested solutions, you should be able to resolve the /SMB/SC_MAIN188 Illegal XML structure error in your SAP environment.