How To Fix SO804 - Further substitution by <&> not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SO - SAPoffice: message texts

• Message number: 804

• Message text: Further substitution by <&> not possible

What causes this issue?

A substitute can have a maximum of 255 substitution periods.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Overwrite an old substitution period.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SO804 - Further substitution by <&> not possible ?

  The SAP error message SO804, which states "Further substitution by <&> not possible," typically occurs in the context of document processing, particularly when dealing with text elements or substitutions in SAPscript or Smart Forms. This error indicates that the system has encountered an issue with the substitution process, which is often related to the use of special characters or incorrect syntax in the text elements.
  Cause:
  
  Special Characters: The error often arises when the text contains special characters (like &) that are not properly escaped or handled in the context of substitutions.
  Incorrect Syntax: If the syntax used for substitutions is incorrect or if the substitution variable is not defined properly, the system will throw this error.
  Missing Data: If the data that is supposed to replace the placeholder is missing or not available at the time of processing, it can lead to this error.
  Nested Substitutions: If there are nested substitutions that are not properly defined or managed, it can also trigger this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Special Characters: Ensure that any special characters in your text elements are properly escaped. For example, if you are using &, it should be defined correctly in the context of your substitution.
  Review Substitution Syntax: Verify that the syntax used for substitutions is correct. Make sure that the variables you are trying to substitute are defined and accessible in the context where you are using them.
  Data Availability: Ensure that the data required for the substitution is available and correctly populated in the relevant fields before the document is processed.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can step through the process to identify where the substitution is failing. This can help you pinpoint the exact cause of the error.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on how to handle substitutions in SAPscript or Smart Forms.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error. Sometimes, there may be specific fixes or updates provided by SAP.
  Community Forums: SAP Community and other forums can be helpful to see if other users have encountered similar issues and how they resolved them.
  SAP Help Portal: The SAP Help Portal provides detailed documentation on SAPscript and Smart Forms, including how to handle substitutions and special characters.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant who can provide more in-depth assistance.