1. Have the following information ready when you report a problem:
   • Customer number
   • Current service level (PTF list and list of APAR fixes applied)
   • The keyword string developed to search the IBM software support database
   • Processor number (serial model)
2. Also have the following documents ready to assist in analyzing the problem:
   • Source code (assembler or compiler listings) and load module for any user routines or invoking program.
   • A listing of the job control language (JCL), DFSORT control statements, and all messages. You can use a SORTDIAG DD statement to obtain all messages, including diagnostic messages.
   • A listing of the symbols information if a SYMNAMES DD statement was specified. You can produce this listing by specifying a SYMNOUT DD statement.
   • A copy of the input data set in machine-readable form.
   • A list of the installation defaults selected at your site. You can produce this list by using the DEFAULTS operator of ICETOOL with the same step, job, or link library used for the job associated with this APAR. See z/OS DFSORT Application Programming Guide for complete details of the DEFAULTS operator of ICETOOL.
   • A dump from the failing run of DFSORT.

After gathering the information, contact the IBM Support Center for assistance in resolving the problem. If the difficulty is an IBM problem, the representative will assist you in preparing an APAR.

When submitting material for an APAR to IBM, carefully pack and clearly identify any tapes that contain application source programs, job stream data, data sets, or libraries.