How To Fix /SMB/UTILITY042 - Variant ID &1 exceeds the maximum length

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SMB/UTILITY -

• Message number: 042

• Message text: Variant ID &1 exceeds the maximum length

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 /SMB/UTILITY042 - Variant ID &1 exceeds the maximum length ?

  The SAP error message /SMB/UTILITY042 Variant ID &1 exceeds the maximum length typically occurs when you are trying to create or use a variant in SAP that exceeds the allowed character limit for variant IDs. This error is common in various SAP modules, especially when dealing with reports or data extraction where variants are used to save specific selection criteria.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the variant ID exceeding the maximum length allowed by the SAP system. In most cases, the maximum length for a variant ID is 20 characters. If you attempt to create a variant with an ID longer than this limit, you will encounter this error message.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Variant ID: Review the variant ID you are trying to create or use. Ensure that it does not exceed the maximum length of 20 characters.
  
  
  Modify the Variant ID: If the variant ID is too long, modify it to be within the acceptable length. You can shorten the name or use abbreviations.
  
  
  Create a New Variant: If you are unable to modify the existing variant ID, consider creating a new variant with a valid ID that adheres to the length restrictions.
  
  
  Review Naming Conventions: If you are working in a team or organization, ensure that there are established naming conventions for variants to avoid future issues.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the naming conventions or limits, refer to the SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific updates or patches related to this error message.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to variant management, such as SE38 (ABAP Editor) or SE80 (Object Navigator), where you can manage and create variants.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully create or use the desired variant in SAP.