Resolving failures in the DFSORT program

To resolve a program failure, you describe the problem with a set of keywords, called a keyword string. The IBM Support Center (or you, if you have a tool such as Info Access) uses the keyword string to search an IBM software support database, such as the Software Support Facility or the Early Warning System, to determine whether an authorized program analysis report (APAR) has already been recorded.

An APAR contains information explaining how to fix or bypass the error. This might be a program temporary fix (PTF), an APAR fix, or a bypass.

If an APAR has not been recorded, the IBM Support Center personnel might ask you to obtain messages or a dump to provide information beyond the keyword string you developed.

Use Table 1 to resolve a program failure.

Table 1. Program Failure Resolution
Step	Action
1	Read and follow the directions in Eliminating common sources of error, to first eliminate your own user exit routines, calling programs (if you have any), and other factors as a source of error. If the source of error is not your own routines or calling programs, go to step 2.
2	Follow the instructions in Developing your keyword string. Each of the keywords in the string describes one aspect of a program failure and makes the search argument more specific. The more precise your keyword string, the more selective the search, and the fewer problem descriptions there are to evaluate. You need messages or a dump to develop most keyword strings. If you did not receive messages or a dump, read How to get messages, and Table 1. When you complete your keyword string, go to step 3.
3	Follow the instructions in Searching the problem reporting databases. The search determines whether the problem has been reported previously. If the problem has already been reported, go to step 4. If the problem has not been reported, go to step 5.
4	If the problem has already been reported, you will be instructed to apply a PTF or APAR fix or to bypass the problem until a PTF or APAR fix is available. See Fixing or bypassing the problem.
5	If the problem has not been reported, follow the instructions in Reporting a problem, to report the problem.