How To Fix SOTR_MESS187 - The alias name contains the forbidden character "&"

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SOTR_MESS - Messages in and for the Online Text Repository

• Message number: 187

• Message text: The alias name contains the forbidden character "&"

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SOTR_MESS187 - The alias name contains the forbidden character "&" ?

  The SAP error message SOTR_MESS187 indicates that there is an issue with the alias name you are trying to use, specifically that it contains the forbidden character "&". This error typically arises in the context of SAP's Object Management and Transport Management System, where certain naming conventions must be adhered to.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because the alias name you are attempting to create or use includes the "&" character, which is not allowed in SAP naming conventions. This restriction is in place to avoid conflicts and ensure that names are processed correctly within the system.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to modify the alias name to remove the "&" character. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Identify the Alias Name: Determine which alias name is causing the error. This may involve checking the configuration or the specific transaction where the error occurred.
  
  
  Rename the Alias: Change the alias name to a valid format that does not include the "&" character. You can use letters, numbers, and other special characters that are permitted by SAP naming conventions.
  
  
  Test the Changes: After renaming the alias, try to execute the operation again to ensure that the error has been resolved.
  
  
  Documentation: If applicable, update any documentation or references to the alias name to reflect the changes made.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  SAP Naming Conventions: Familiarize yourself with SAP's naming conventions to avoid similar issues in the future. Generally, SAP allows alphanumeric characters and some special characters, but it is best to avoid using characters that are known to cause issues.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes or the SAP Help Portal for any additional information or updates related to this error message. There may be specific guidelines or best practices provided by SAP.
  
  
  Support: If you continue to experience issues or if the error persists after making changes, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting the SAP community for further assistance.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SOTR_MESS187 error and continue with your work in SAP.