How To Fix STC_TASK040 - Value '&2' for parameter &1 must contain wildcard '*' or '+'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: STC_TASK - Task related Messages

• Message number: 040

• Message text: Value '&2' for parameter &1 must contain wildcard '*' or '+'

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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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message STC_TASK040 - Value '&2' for parameter &1 must contain wildcard '*' or '+' ?

  The SAP error message STC_TASK040 indicates that a specific parameter in a task or job definition is not formatted correctly. This error typically arises in the context of background jobs or task scheduling in SAP, particularly when using the SAP Solution Manager or other task management tools.
  Cause:
  The error message states that the value for a specified parameter must include a wildcard character, either * or +. This usually means that the system expects a pattern matching format for the parameter value, which is often used in selection criteria for jobs or tasks. The absence of these wildcard characters indicates that the value provided does not meet the expected format.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should:
  
  
  Identify the Parameter: Check the specific parameter (&1) mentioned in the error message to understand what it is supposed to represent.
  
  
  Modify the Value: Ensure that the value (&2) you are providing for that parameter includes a wildcard character. For example:
  
  If the parameter is meant to match multiple entries, you might change a value like ABC to ABC* or *ABC* depending on the context.
  If the parameter is a selection field, consider using + if it is appropriate for the context.
  
  
  
  Review Documentation: Consult the SAP documentation or help files related to the specific task or job you are configuring. This can provide insights into the expected formats for parameters.
  
  
  Test the Changes: After making the necessary adjustments, re-run the task or job to see if the error persists.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Wildcards in SAP: In SAP, the * wildcard is used to represent any number of characters, while + can be used to represent one or more characters. Understanding how these wildcards work in different contexts (like selection screens, job definitions, etc.) is crucial.
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SM37 (for monitoring jobs) or ST22 (for dumps) to help diagnose issues further.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to the specific task or job you are working with.
  
  
  Community Forums: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP community forums or support for additional assistance.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the STC_TASK040 error and successfully configure your task or job in SAP.