How To Fix XS004 - For Internet addresses, '*' must be at the beginning

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: XS - SAPconnect: All messages

• Message number: 004

• Message text: For Internet addresses, '*' must be at the beginning

What causes this issue?

You entered an Internet address &V1& generically with '*'. However, you
did not place the special character '*' first, but in &V2& position.

System Response

Saving/processing your entry was terminated.

How to fix this error?

In contrast to all other address types, Internet addresses begin with
the part of the address on the lowest hierarchy level (for example,
name). A generic entry means that you do not have to specify a
low-level address part. For example, you can specify *sap-ag.de as a
routing entry rather than specifying each recipient individually.
For Internet addresses, you should therefore place '*' in the first
position of the address. Alternatively, enter the Internet addresses in
full without '*'.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message XS004 - For Internet addresses, '*' must be at the beginning ?

  The SAP error message XS004, which states "For Internet addresses, '*' must be at the beginning," typically occurs in the context of configuring Internet addresses or patterns in SAP systems, particularly when dealing with XS (Extended Services) or OData services.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you are trying to define a pattern for Internet addresses (URLs) and you have included an asterisk (*) in a position other than the beginning of the string. In URL patterns, the asterisk is used as a wildcard character, and its placement is significant. The system expects the asterisk to be at the start of the pattern to indicate that it can match any characters following it.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should ensure that any asterisk used in your Internet address patterns is placed at the beginning of the string. Here are the steps to fix the issue:
  
  Review the Configuration: Go to the configuration settings where the Internet address is defined.
  Modify the Pattern: If you have a pattern like example.com/*, change it to *example.com if you want to match any subdomain or path under example.com.
  Save Changes: After making the necessary adjustments, save the configuration.
  Test the Configuration: After saving, test the configuration to ensure that the error no longer appears and that the intended functionality works as expected.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Wildcard Usage: In many systems, the asterisk (*) is used as a wildcard character. In the context of URLs, it can represent any sequence of characters. However, its placement is crucial for correct pattern matching.
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for XS services or OData services for more details on configuring Internet addresses and understanding the syntax for patterns.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or Knowledge Base Articles that might provide additional context or updates regarding this error message.
  
  If you continue to experience issues after making these changes, consider reaching out to SAP support or consulting with a technical expert familiar with your specific SAP environment.