How To Fix WF058 - The status mask contains invalid characters <*>

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WF - Workflow: messages

• Message number: 058

• Message text: The status mask contains invalid characters <*>

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF058 - The status mask contains invalid characters <*> ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  *WF058 - The status mask contains invalid characters <>**
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when the status mask field contains characters that are not valid according to the expected format. The status mask is used in workflow definitions or workflow container elements to specify certain status values or filters, and it must only contain allowed characters.
  Common causes include:  
  
  Typing errors or invalid characters in the status mask field.  
  Copy-pasting from external sources that introduce hidden or special characters.  
  Using characters that are not supported by the workflow engine for status masks (e.g., letters or symbols that are not part of the allowed set).  
  Incorrect configuration or customization in workflow steps or container elements where status masks are defined.
  
  
  Explanation of Status Mask:
  The status mask is typically a string that represents a combination of status flags or codes. It often expects a specific format, such as a string of digits or certain letters representing statuses. Invalid characters break the parsing logic.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Status Mask Field:  
  
  Review the status mask value entered in the workflow step, container element, or wherever the status mask is used.  
  Ensure it contains only valid characters (usually digits or specific letters defined by the workflow or application context).
  
  
  
  Correct Invalid Characters:  
  
  Remove or replace any invalid characters.  
  Avoid special characters, spaces, or non-printable characters.
  
  
  
  Use SAP Tools to Validate:  
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to analyze workflow logs and identify where the invalid status mask is set.  
  Use workflow builder (transaction SWDD) to inspect the workflow definition and container elements.
  
  
  
  Check Custom Code or Enhancements:  
  
  If the status mask is set dynamically via custom code (e.g., in a method or function module), verify that the code generates valid status masks.  
  Add validation logic if necessary to prevent invalid characters.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:  
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WF058 for any known issues or patches.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder (to check workflow definitions)  
  SWI1 - Workflow Log (to analyze workflow errors)  
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Runtime Analysis
  
  
  
  SAP Help:  
  
  SAP Workflow documentation on status masks and container elements.  
  SAP Community forums for similar issues.
  
  
  
  Typical Valid Characters:  
  
  Usually digits (0-9) or uppercase letters depending on the workflow scenario.  
  No spaces, special characters like *, #, or others unless explicitly allowed.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WF058 indicates that the workflow status mask contains invalid characters. To fix it, identify where the status mask is set, verify and correct the characters to conform to the expected format, and ensure no invalid or special characters are present.
  
  If you provide the exact context or where the status mask is being set, I can help you with more specific guidance!