How To Fix SMM004 - Error during UTF-8 conversion of METADATA[&]-NAME = &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SMM - SAP Mass Mailer

• Message number: 004

• Message text: Error during UTF-8 conversion of METADATA[&]-NAME = &

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 SMM004 - Error during UTF-8 conversion of METADATA[&]-NAME = & ?

  The SAP error message SMM004, which indicates an error during UTF-8 conversion of metadata, typically arises when there are issues with character encoding in the system. This can occur when the system is trying to process data that contains characters not supported by the expected encoding format.
  Cause:
  
  Character Encoding Mismatch: The data being processed may contain characters that are not valid in the expected character set (UTF-8 in this case). This can happen if the data was originally created or stored in a different encoding format.
  Corrupted Data: The metadata being processed may be corrupted or improperly formatted, leading to issues during the conversion process.
  Incorrect Configuration: The system may not be properly configured to handle UTF-8 encoding, or there may be inconsistencies in the way data is stored and retrieved.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Encoding: Verify the encoding of the data being processed. Ensure that it is in UTF-8 format. If the data is in a different encoding, convert it to UTF-8 before processing.
  Data Cleansing: Review the metadata for any invalid or corrupted characters. Cleanse the data to remove or replace any problematic characters.
  System Configuration: Ensure that the SAP system is correctly configured to handle UTF-8 encoding. This may involve checking system settings or parameters related to character encoding.
  Update SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or patches that address this specific error. SAP frequently releases updates that may resolve known issues.
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider enabling debugging to trace the exact point of failure. This can provide more insight into what specific data or operation is causing the error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for guidance on character encoding and handling metadata.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE37 (Function Module) to analyze the metadata and identify any inconsistencies.
  
  If the problem continues after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with SAP support for further assistance.