KB45892: "Syntax error, unexpected character '''" error returned when running an XQuery report containing an element prompt that selects an element with an ampersand (&) in MicroStrategy 9.x.

SYMPTOM:
 
When running a freeform XQuery report in Strategy Developer 9.x containing an element prompt, users can encounter an error when selecting an element prompt.
 

"Error in report results
(QueryEngine encountered error: ... syntax error, unexpected character ''', Connection String: XQUERY;UID=xxxxx; Connection String: XQUERY;UID=xxx;.. Error in Process method of Component: QueryEngineServer, Project xxx, Job xxx, Error Code= -2147212544.)

 
CAUSE:
 
This is a known limitation with the way XQuery is handled when passing an ampersand or other special character as a prompt answer. Characters such as "<" and "&" are illegal in XML elements.
 
ACTION:
 
Encapsulate the prompt in a CDATA section. If the prompt is named , the syntax that should be used is <!]]>.