How To Fix WK233 - Character " & " must not be in the first position

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WK - BPT: Messages integr. inbox

• Message number: 233

• Message text: Character " & " must not be in the first position

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 WK233 - Character " & " must not be in the first position ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WK233: Character "&" must not be in the first position:
  
  Error Message:
  WK233: Character "&" must not be in the first position
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to enter a workflow container element or a variable name that starts with the character "&" in SAP Workflow. In SAP Workflow, the character "&" is reserved for system variables or placeholders and cannot be used as the first character in user-defined container element names or variable names.
  
  The ampersand "&" is typically used in SAP Workflow to denote placeholders or system variables.
  If you start a container element or variable name with "&", the system interprets it as a system variable or placeholder, which is not allowed for user-defined names.
  Hence, the system throws the error WK233 to prevent confusion or conflicts.
  
  
  Where does this happen?
  
  When defining or modifying workflow container elements.
  When creating or editing workflow variables.
  When assigning values or mapping container elements in workflow steps.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Do not start container element or variable names with the character "&".
  Rename the container element or variable so that it starts with a letter or underscore (_) instead.
  For example, instead of &MyVar, use MyVar or _MyVar.
  Check all container elements and variables in your workflow to ensure none start with "&".
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  The ampersand "&" is reserved for system use in SAP Workflow.
  Container elements and variables should follow naming conventions: start with a letter or underscore, followed by letters, digits, or underscores.
  Avoid special characters at the beginning of names.
  This naming rule helps SAP Workflow engine to correctly parse and process variables and placeholders.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WK233: Character "&" must not be in the first position
  
  
  Cause
  Container element or variable name starts with "&"
  
  
  Solution
  Rename the element/variable to start with a letter or underscore
  
  
  Notes
  "&" is reserved for system variables/placeholders in SAP Workflow
  
  
  
  
  If you need help identifying where the problematic container element or variable is, you can:
  
  Review the workflow container elements in the workflow builder (transaction SWDD).
  Check the variable names in the workflow definition.
  Use the workflow log or debugger to trace where the error occurs.
  
  
  Let me know if you want guidance on how to rename variables or check workflow container elements!