How To Fix WFF_FORM_SERVER104 - Invalid XPath &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WFF_FORM_SERVER - Web Financials Forms: Form Server

• Message number: 104

• Message text: Invalid XPath &

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WFF_FORM_SERVER104 - Invalid XPath & ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WFF_FORM_SERVER104 Invalid XPath &
  
  Cause
  This error typically occurs in SAP Workflow when the system tries to evaluate or process an XPath expression that contains invalid syntax or characters. Specifically, the presence of an ampersand (&) in the XPath expression is problematic because:
  
  The ampersand is a reserved character in XML and XPath expressions.
  It must be properly escaped or avoided in XPath queries.
  The error indicates that the XPath expression used in the workflow container, event linkage, or task binding is malformed or contains illegal characters.
  
  Common scenarios causing this error:
  
  Using an unescaped & character in XPath expressions within workflow container element bindings.
  Incorrectly constructed XPath expressions in workflow definitions or event linkages.
  Data elements or container elements containing special characters that are not properly handled.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the XPath Expression:
  
  Review the XPath expression causing the error.
  Ensure that any special characters like & are properly escaped or removed.
  For example, replace & with & if it must be part of an XML string.
  
  
  
  Correct Workflow Container Bindings:
  
  Go to the workflow builder (transaction SWDD).
  Check the container element bindings for the task or event where the error occurs.
  Verify that the XPath expressions used for mapping container elements do not contain invalid characters.
  
  
  
  Validate Data Elements:
  
  If the XPath expression is dynamically generated or based on data elements, ensure that the data does not contain illegal characters.
  Sanitize or encode data before using it in XPath expressions.
  
  
  
  Use SAP Standard Functions:
  
  If you need to handle special characters in XML or XPath, use SAP standard XML handling functions or classes that properly escape characters.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_DIAG to trace workflow errors.
  Check the workflow log to identify the exact step and XPath expression causing the issue.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to workflow and XPath errors for any patches or known issues.
  
  
  SAP Help Portal:
  
  Refer to the SAP Workflow documentation for guidelines on container element binding and XPath usage.
  
  
  XML and XPath Standards:
  
  Understanding XML escaping rules is crucial when working with XPath in SAP workflows.
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWI1 - Workflow Log
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow Diagnosis
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Invalid XPath expression containing unescaped or illegal & character in workflow container or event linkage.
  
  
  Solution
  Correct or escape the XPath expression; replace & with &; verify container bindings in workflow builder.
  
  
  Related
  SAP Notes on workflow errors, SAP Help on XPath and XML escaping, workflow transaction codes (SWDD, SWI1).
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact XPath expression or workflow step, I can help you correct the syntax specifically.