SAP Knowledge Base Article

3098477 - F4 help search functionality gives an error: Internal Error: Table Format
Component: BC-FES-CTL (Basis Components > Frontend Services (SAP Note 1322184) > SAP GUI for Windows
Controls), Version: 12, Released On: 20.12.2023

Symptom
When trying to use search help functionality (F4) on an input field, an error popup occurs:

"Internal Error : Table format"

Environment
SAP NetWeaver 7.4+

SAP GUI for Windows

Reproducing the Issue

1. Start any transaction.
2. Click on an input field.
3. Press F4

Cause
Program error.

Resolution
Use a supported SAP GUI version as per note 147519.

As a workaround, use Dialog (modal) F4 setting:

1. Logon to the R/3 system
2. Go to menu 'Help'->'Settings...'F4 Help' tab
3. On the left bottom, please select 'Dialog' radio button
4. Press enter or the green tick mark to save the settings.

Please note that the solution described above only works for the currently logged user.

Alternative solution to resolve it on behalf of another user:

1. Go to transaction SU01 and select the user
2. Under parameters tab add F4METHOD = NoActiveX
You may also perform this system wide setting, following KBA 1626419.
 See Also
SAP Note 977584 - Search Help: How to switch to Dialog mode F4
SAP Note 2753222 - SAP GUI F4 Amodal control: Column header Tooltip in the F4 result dialog is truncated and default
abbreviated tooltip text is displayed instead of complete tooltip.

Keywords
SAP GUI for Windows, SAP GUI, F4, help, search, Internal error: Table format, Interner Fehler: Tabellenformat, cancel, Unable to open
any list, drop down list in any field.

Attributes
Key Value

Other Basis Components > Frontend Services (SAP Note 1322184) > SAP GUI for Windows (BC-FES-GUI)
Components

Other Basis Components > ABAP Workbench, Java IDE and Infrastructure > ABAP Dictionary and ABAP CDS > F4 Help
Components (BC-DWB-DIC-F4)

Requires Action 0

Products
Products

SAP NetWeaver all versions

This document refers to

SAP Component Title
Note/KBA

977584 BC-FES-CTL Search Help: How to switch to Dialog mode F4.

2753222 BC-FES-CTL SAP GUI F4 Amodal control: Column header Tooltip in the F4 result dialog is truncated and default
abbreviated tooltip text is displayed instead of complete tooltip.

147519 BC-FES-GUI Maintenance strategy / deadlines for SAP GUI for Windows / SAP GUI for Java