How To Fix SO405 - Search term only contains invalid special characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SO - SAPoffice: message texts

• Message number: 405

• Message text: Search term only contains invalid 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 SO405 - Search term only contains invalid special characters ?

  The SAP error message SO405, which states "Search term only contains invalid special characters," typically occurs when you are trying to perform a search in SAP using a search term that consists solely of special characters or is formatted incorrectly. This can happen in various SAP modules, particularly in the context of searching for documents, materials, or other objects.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Input: The search term you entered contains only special characters (e.g., @, #, $, %, etc.) and does not include any alphanumeric characters.
  Leading/Trailing Spaces: The search term may have leading or trailing spaces that are not visible but affect the search.
  Incorrect Formatting: The search term may be formatted incorrectly, such as using unsupported characters or sequences.
  
  Solution:
  
  Use Alphanumeric Characters: Ensure that your search term includes at least one alphanumeric character (letters or numbers). For example, instead of searching for just @#$%, use a term like Item123 or Document1.
  Trim Spaces: Check for and remove any leading or trailing spaces in your search term.
  Check for Unsupported Characters: Make sure that the search term does not contain any unsupported special characters. Refer to SAP documentation for a list of valid characters.
  Use Wildcards: If you are unsure of the exact term, consider using wildcards (e.g., * or ?) in your search to broaden the search criteria.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the valid search terms for your specific SAP module, consult the relevant SAP documentation or help resources.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to search functionalities in your version of SAP.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to perform searches effectively within SAP, including the use of valid search terms and formats.
  System Configuration: In some cases, the system configuration may affect search capabilities. Consult with your SAP Basis or technical team if you suspect configuration issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.