How To Fix VH147 - & is not a permitted value for the text length

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VH - SD pricing

• Message number: 147

• Message text: & is not a permitted value for the text length

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VH147 - & is not a permitted value for the text length ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VH147 – "& is not a permitted value for the text length"
  
  Cause:
  The error message VH147 typically occurs when entering or processing text fields in SAP where the length or content of the text does not comply with the allowed parameters. Specifically, this message indicates that the character "&" (ampersand) is not allowed in the text field because it is either:
  
  Not permitted in the specific text field due to validation rules.
  Interpreted as a special character or placeholder in SAP texts.
  Causing the text length to exceed the allowed limit when special characters are counted differently.
  
  In many SAP text fields, the ampersand character is reserved for special purposes (e.g., variable substitution in texts) and thus is restricted or requires special handling.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Avoid Using "&" Directly:
  
  Replace the ampersand character "&" with the word "and" or another acceptable character.
  If the ampersand is necessary, check if the system allows escaping it by using double ampersands "&&" (in some SAP text fields, "&&" is interpreted as a literal "&").
  
  
  
  Check Text Length:
  
  Ensure the text length does not exceed the maximum allowed length for the field.
  Sometimes special characters count differently towards length limits.
  
  
  
  Use SAP Text Editor or Long Text Maintenance:
  
  If entering long texts, use the SAP long text editor (transaction SO10 or relevant transaction) which handles special characters better.
  
  
  
  Consult Field Documentation:
  
  Review the documentation or data element definition for the field to understand allowed characters and length restrictions.
  
  
  
  System Settings or Customizing:
  
  If the ampersand is required and the system restricts it, check with your SAP Basis or development team if the validation logic can be adjusted.
  Sometimes, user exits or BAdIs enforce additional validations that can be modified.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to VH147 or text field validations.
  Special Characters in SAP Texts: The ampersand (&) is often used in SAPscript and Smart Forms as a placeholder for variables, so its usage in input fields is restricted.
  Transactions to Check Texts:  
  
  SO10 (Standard Texts)  
  SE75 (SAPscript Text Elements)  
  SE38 or SE80 (for custom programs handling texts)
  
  
  Data Element Check: Use SE11 to check the data element of the field to see domain restrictions on allowed characters and length.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: The ampersand "&" character is not allowed in the text field due to validation rules or length restrictions.
  Solution: Avoid using "&", replace it with "and" or "&&" if supported, ensure text length is within limits, and use appropriate SAP text maintenance tools.
  Additional: Check SAP documentation, notes, and system customizations if the issue persists.
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or context where VH147 occurs, I can give more tailored advice.