Analyzing and handling problems

If you are experiencing problems with your system, you need to gather further information to analyze and handle the problems. A start problem analysis procedure can guide you through resolving the problem.

You can use several options to solve the problem.

• The problem analysis procedures provide a list of yes or no questions that guide you down the path to locate the problem. This is a good place to start when you are not sure what the problem is, or if you are new to troubleshooting a system.
• 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 system problems. For example, the USERHELP menu provides basic problem-handling functions 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 Report (APAR) is a request for a defect correction in a current release of an IBM-supplied program.