How To Fix VQ242 - Format & is not allowed!

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VQ - SD Archiving and Product Allocation

• Message number: 242

• Message text: Format & is not allowed!

What causes this issue?

The formatting characters entered cannot be used.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Please use F4 help to select possible formatting characters.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VQ242 - Format & is not allowed! ?

  SAP Error Message:
  VQ242 Format & is not allowed!
  
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when an invalid or unsupported format character is used in a format string within SAP. The message indicates that the format specifier (represented by & in the message) is not allowed in the context where it is used.
  Common scenarios include:
  
  Using an incorrect format code in a print program, layout, or form (e.g., Smart Forms, SAPscript).
  Incorrect format specifier in a conversion exit or user-defined format.
  Typographical errors in format strings or parameters.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In SAP, format strings are used to control how data is displayed or printed. These formats follow specific rules and allowed characters. If a format character outside the allowed set is used, SAP raises this error.
  For example, in a format string like %d (decimal), %s (string), etc., if you use %& or any other unsupported character, the system will throw this error.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the format string causing the error:
  
  Check the program, form,