Avoid the unexpected character '=' (code 61); error in Advanced Tables for Confluence

Problem statement

This article explains how to handle the error mentioned in the succeding section. When a file is uploaded using the Advanced Tables for Confluence - Attachment Table macro to display its contents, an error occurs if the filename has an apostrophe.

Error message 

com.ctc.wstx.exc.WstxLazyException Unexpected character '=' (code 61); expected a semi-colon after the reference for entity 'modificationDate'.

Image reference:

Environment

EnvironmentCloud
ApplicationConfluence

Cause

A special character apostrophe (') used in the filename is causing the issue.

Here are the characters that are allowed and not allowed in the filename:

Characters allowedCharacters NOT allowed
! @ # $ % ^ & ( ) - _ = + [ ] { } . , ` ~\ / : * ? " < > | '

Solution

To resolve the issue:

  1. If the file name contains an apostrophe ( ' ), remove it and save the file.
  2. Upload the file by using the Attachment Table macro.
  3. View the file contents in the confluence page.

This issue is escalated as a bug and the ticket TBL-1128 is with our development team.