Analyze and handle problems

Use this information to further analyze and handle problems, including a start problem analysis procedure that guides you through resolving the problem.

If you are experiencing problems with your system, you should gather more information about the problem to either solve it or report it. There are several options you can use to help you solve the problem, including:

• The Problem analysis procedures provide a list of yes or no questions that guide you down the path to pinpoint the problem. This is a good place to start when you are not sure what the problem is, or you are new to troubleshooting an iSeries™ server.
• The System Reference Code (SRC) list contains over 140 SRC groupings. It provides either a general idea of what the SRC means, or links to other sources of detailed information.
• A Main Storage Dump (MSD) is a process of collecting data from the system's main storage which can be helpful for the technical support personnel to help you analyze the problem further.
• Control language (CL) commands are the set of commands with which a user requests system functions.
• Problem-handling menus accommodate users of all skill levels in solving server problems. For example, the USERHELP menu provides basic problem-handling function where you can learn the simple task of using help. Alternatively, the NETWORK menu provides access to information that helps an operator handle problems throughout a network.
• Authorized Program Analysis Reports (APARs) are a request for a correction of a defect in a current release of an IBM-supplied program.

• Problem analysis procedures
  You can often solve problems that occur on your system with methodical analysis.
• System reference code list
  Use the tables below to locate the System Reference Code (SRC) that you have displayed. In the table, xxxx can be any number 0 through 9 or letter A through F.
• Perform a main storage dump
  If the system is logically partitioned, references to the system, console, displays, system commands, and system values are relative to the partition having a problem.
• CL commands
  You can use problem analysis control language (CL) commands to help you manage problems you are experiencing with your system.
• Problem-handling menus
  Use the problem-handling menus to help analyze problems.
• Use authorized program analysis reports
  An authorized program analysis report (APAR) is an IBM-supplied program that allows you to create a diskette file or a tape file that contains information from your system to help software service representatives to correct programming problems.