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How To Fix SOTR_MESS188 - The alias name can only contain the following characters: "&"


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

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

  • Message number: 188

  • Message text: The alias name can only contain the following characters: "&"

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  • 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.

    Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.



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    Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

    You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.


Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SOTR_MESS188 - The alias name can only contain the following characters: "&" ?

    The SAP error message SOTR_MESS188 indicates that there is an issue with the alias name you are trying to use in your SAP system. Specifically, the error states that the alias name can only contain certain characters, and it seems that the alias you are trying to create or use contains invalid characters.

    Cause:

    The error is triggered when the alias name you are attempting to use does not conform to the allowed character set defined by SAP. The allowed characters typically include letters, numbers, and specific special characters (like "&"). If your alias name includes spaces, special characters not listed in the allowed set, or starts with a number, it will result in this error.

    Solution:

    To resolve this error, you should:

    1. Check the Alias Name: Review the alias name you are trying to use and ensure it only contains the allowed characters. The allowed characters typically include:

      • Uppercase and lowercase letters (A-Z, a-z)
      • Numbers (0-9)
      • The ampersand character (&)
    2. Modify the Alias Name: If your alias name contains any invalid characters, modify it to comply with the allowed character set. For example, if your alias name is "My Alias 1", you could change it to "My_Alias_1" or "MyAlias1".

    3. Test the Changes: After modifying the alias name, try to execute the operation again to see if the error persists.

    Related Information:

    • Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for the specific module you are working with to understand the naming conventions and restrictions for alias names.
    • SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to alias naming conventions.
    • Community Forums: If you continue to experience issues, consider reaching out to SAP community forums or support for further assistance.

    By ensuring that your alias name adheres to the specified character restrictions, you should be able to resolve the SOTR_MESS188 error.

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