How To Fix W8401 - Invalid command '&1' received from HTML control

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W8 - Workflow: Expressions, data flow

• Message number: 401

• Message text: Invalid command '&1' received from HTML control

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 W8401 - Invalid command '&1' received from HTML control ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  W8401 Invalid command '&1' received from HTML control
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when the SAP GUI for HTML (Web GUI) receives a command from the HTML control that it does not recognize or that is invalid in the current context. The placeholder &1 in the message is replaced by the actual command string that was sent but not understood.
  Common causes include:
  
  Custom or third-party controls/scripts sending commands that the SAP Web GUI does not support.
  Browser or network issues causing corrupted or incomplete command data.
  Mismatch between SAP GUI versions and the Web GUI components.
  Incorrect or unsupported user actions in the Web GUI interface.
  SAP GUI for HTML bugs or inconsistencies in handling certain commands.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check the command string (&1):
  
  Identify the exact command causing the issue from the error message.
  Analyze if this command is expected or if it comes from a custom enhancement or script.
  
  
  
  Update SAP GUI and Web GUI components:
  
  Ensure that the SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP system and the SAP GUI for HTML are updated to the latest support package or patch level.
  Sometimes, bugs causing invalid command errors are fixed in newer versions.
  
  
  
  Review custom developments or enhancements:
  
  If custom HTML controls or scripts are used, verify their compatibility with the SAP Web GUI.
  Remove or correct any unsupported commands sent from these controls.
  
  
  
  Clear browser cache and cookies:
  
  Sometimes stale or corrupted browser data can cause communication issues.
  Try accessing the Web GUI in a different browser or after clearing cache.
  
  
  
  Check network stability:
  
  Unstable network connections can corrupt data packets, leading to invalid commands.
  Ensure a stable and reliable network connection.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to message W8401 for any known issues or patches.
  If the problem persists, raise a support ticket with SAP, providing the exact command and context.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction /IWFND/MAINT_SERVICE: Used to maintain and check OData services if the Web GUI is based on Fiori or OData services.
  SAP GUI for HTML: The Web GUI interface that renders SAP screens in a browser.
  SAP Note Search: Use the SAP ONE Support Launchpad to find notes related to W8401.
  SAP Community: Check forums and SAP Community questions for similar issues.
  
  
  Summary:
  The W8401 error indicates that the SAP Web GUI received an invalid or unrecognized command from the HTML control. It is often caused by version mismatches, custom scripts, or network issues. Updating components, verifying custom code, and ensuring stable network conditions usually resolve the problem.
  
  If you provide the exact command string (&1), I can help analyze it further!