How To Fix SWF_UTL_000004 - Character '&1' is only allowed at the beginning or the end

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_UTL_000 - Messages for I/O - Service Class CL_SWF_IO_SERVICES

• Message number: 004

• Message text: Character '&1' is only allowed at the beginning or the end

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

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 SWF_UTL_000004 - Character '&1' is only allowed at the beginning or the end ?

  The SAP error message SWF_UTL_000004 indicates that there is an issue with the use of a specific character (represented as &1) in a string or text field within a workflow or related configuration. This error typically arises when a character that is not allowed in the middle of a string is found there, and it is only permitted at the beginning or the end of the string.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by:
  
  Improper Formatting: The character in question (often a special character or symbol) is placed incorrectly within the string. For example, if the character is meant to be a delimiter or a special marker, it should only appear at the start or end of the string.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual data entry might have introduced the character in an invalid position.
  Configuration Issues: In workflows or custom applications, the configuration might not adhere to the expected format, leading to this error.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Identify the Character: Determine what the character &1 represents in your specific context. This could be a special character like &, %, or any other symbol.
  
  
  Check the String: Review the string or text field where the error is occurring. Ensure that the character is only present at the beginning or the end of the string, as required.
  
  
  Modify the Input: If the character is found in the middle of the string, remove it or reposition it to comply with the rules.
  
  
  Validation: Implement validation checks in your workflow or application to prevent this error from occurring in the future. This could involve adding checks to ensure that special characters are only placed in allowed positions.
  
  
  Testing: After making the necessary changes, test the workflow or application to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for more details on workflow configuration and string handling.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  Debugging Tools: Use SAP debugging tools to trace the workflow execution and identify where the error is being triggered.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SWF_UTL_000004 error and ensure that your workflow or application functions correctly.