How To Fix WL005 - List contains incorrect symbol for selecting entries

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WL - Workflow: run-time messages

• Message number: 005

• Message text: List contains incorrect symbol for selecting entries

What causes this issue?

The list in which those entries are selected which are already selected
when the dialog box is set up, is incorrect.
This list covers the multi-line parameter CheckFlags or the first field
in the multi-line structure CheckList. The entry can only be one of the
following values :

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

' ' (at first call, is converted to '-')
'-' (entry not selected at call)
'X' (entry selected at call)

System Response

The step ends with an exception.
If a subsequent step is defined for this exception in the workflow
definition, the workflow process is continued with this step.
Otherwise, this step (and hence the complete workflow) is converted to
status "incorrect".

How to fix this error?

You must change the workflow definition such that a check list with
allowed entries is set up there.
INCLUDE NA_WF-ADMINISTRATOR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL005 - List contains incorrect symbol for selecting entries ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WL005 - List contains incorrect symbol for selecting entries
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when a selection list or selection screen contains an invalid or incorrect symbol used for selecting entries. In SAP, selection lists often use specific symbols (like *, +, -, ?, etc.) to define selection criteria or ranges. If the system encounters a symbol that it does not recognize or that is not allowed in the context of the selection, it raises this error.
  Common scenarios include:  
  
  Using an unsupported wildcard or special character in selection criteria.  
  Copy-pasting selection values from external sources that include hidden or invalid characters.  
  Programming errors where the selection options are dynamically generated but contain invalid symbols.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Selection Criteria:
  
  Review the input values or selection criteria on the selection screen or in the selection list. Remove or correct any invalid symbols or characters.
  
  
  Use Allowed Wildcards:
  
  Ensure that only valid wildcard characters are used. For example:  
  
  * (asterisk) for multiple characters  
  + (plus) for single character  
  ? (question mark) for optional characters  
  - (hyphen) for ranges (where applicable)
  
  
  
  Clean Input Data:
  
  If the selection list is imported or copied from external sources, clean the data to remove any hidden or special characters.
  
  
  Check Program Logic (if custom development):
  
  If this error occurs in a custom program or report, verify the code that builds the selection list or selection criteria. Make sure it only inserts valid symbols.
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to message WL005 for any known issues or patches.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Message Class: WL (related to selection lists or selection screens)  
  Transaction Codes: Often seen in reports or transactions that use selection screens with multiple selection options (e.g., SE16, SE16N, custom reports).  
  SAP Help: Refer to SAP documentation on selection screens and wildcards for detailed rules on allowed symbols.  
  Debugging: Use debugging tools to trace where the invalid symbol is introduced in the selection criteria.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  The WL005 error indicates that the selection list contains an invalid symbol for selecting entries. Correct the selection input by removing or replacing invalid symbols with valid wildcards or characters, and verify any program logic that generates these selections.