How To Fix ST804 - The entry includes the invalid character "&"

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ST - Terminology Database

• Message number: 804

• Message text: The entry includes the invalid character "&"

What causes this issue?

The text includes non-allowed characters.

System Response

You cannot create this entry.

How to fix this error?

Remove the non-allowed character(s).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ST804 - The entry includes the invalid character "&" ?

  The SAP error message ST804, which states "The entry includes the invalid character '&'", typically occurs when you are trying to input data that contains an invalid character in a field that does not accept it. The ampersand (&) is often not allowed in certain contexts within SAP, such as in naming conventions, identifiers, or certain data fields.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Character: The presence of the & character in a field that does not support it.
  Field Restrictions: Certain fields in SAP have restrictions on the characters that can be used, and & is often one of the disallowed characters.
  Data Entry Error: The error may arise from manual data entry mistakes or from data being imported from external sources that include invalid characters.
  
  Solution:
  
  Identify the Field: Determine which field is causing the error. This may require checking the input data or the context in which the error occurs.
  Remove or Replace Invalid Characters: Edit the input to remove the & character or replace it with a valid character. Ensure that the data conforms to the expected format for that field.
  Validation: Implement validation checks in your data entry processes to prevent invalid characters from being entered in the first place.
  Data Cleansing: If the data is being imported from an external source, consider cleansing the data to remove or replace invalid characters before importing it into SAP.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or the specific module's guidelines to understand the valid character set for the fields you are working with.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or updates related to this error message.
  Field Documentation: Review the field documentation in SAP to understand the allowed characters and formats.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ST804 error and ensure that your data entries comply with SAP's requirements.