How To Fix TD443 - & is invalid, START_FORM is missing

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: TD - SAPscript: Text editor, composer, forms, styles and fonts

• Message number: 443

• Message text: & is invalid, START_FORM is missing

What causes this issue?

The specified function was called although no form was activated
beforehand using START_FORM.

System Response

The function is ignored.

How to fix this error?

Before you can output forms using WRITE_FORM, you must open a form with
OPEN_FORM or START_FORM.
There are two main causes for this error:
If you attempt to use a non-existing form, OPEN_FORM or START_FORM
returns an exception (FORM). If the application does not respond to
this exception and tries to continue printing, the system terminates.
Check in Customizing if the required from is defined for printing and
whether it exists (transaction SE71, Form Painter).
The error can also occur if form printing was implicitly terminated.
This happens if a page does not have any subsequent page although
additional data is to be printed.
Check if all pages of your form have a subsequent page. In many cases,
this entry is missing. The error then occurs if other pages are to be
printed.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message TD443 - & is invalid, START_FORM is missing ?

  The SAP error message TD443, which states "is invalid, START_FORM is missing," typically occurs in the context of SAPscript or Smart Forms when there is an issue with the form configuration or the way the form is being called in the program.
  Cause:
  
  
  Missing START_FORM: The error indicates that the form being called does not have a valid START_FORM defined. This could happen if:
  
  The form name is misspelled or does not exist.
  The form has not been activated.
  The form is not properly defined in the program or function module that is trying to call it.
  
  
  
  Incorrect Form Name: If the form name provided in the program does not match any existing forms, this error will occur.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the form.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Form Name: Verify that the form name used in the program is correct and matches the name of the form defined in SAPscript or Smart Forms.
  
  
  Activate the Form: Ensure that the form is activated. In Smart Forms, you can do this by going to the Smart Forms transaction (SMARTFORMS), opening the form, and checking if it is activated.
  
  
  Review Program Code: Check the program code where the form is being called. Ensure that the syntax is correct and that the START_FORM statement is properly defined.
  
  
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to execute the form. This may involve checking roles and authorizations in the user profile.
  
  
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider debugging the program to see where the error is being triggered. This can provide more context on what might be going wrong.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAPscript vs. Smart Forms: Understand the differences between SAPscript and Smart Forms, as the error may arise from either technology.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SMARTFORMS (for Smart Forms) and SE71 (for SAPscript) to manage forms.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on form creation and management.
  
  If the problem continues after checking these areas, it may be beneficial to consult with a technical SAP consultant or developer who can provide deeper insights into the specific implementation and configuration in your SAP environment.