If all paths are lost between all systems, XCF issues message IXC409D. Message IXC409D requests the operator to either retry the path or paths or to remove the system from the sysplex.

If a retry of the paths is not successful, the operator responds with the name of the system to be removed from the sysplex. This is repeated until there is only one system left in the sysplex. To avoid removing a system from the sysplex, the operator may be able to specify additional outbound and inbound paths via the SETXCF START,PATHIN and PATHOUT commands.

When coupling facility structures are being used for signalling, path loss can occur because of a coupling facility failure when there are no backup paths available, either on another coupling facility or ESCON® Director. Path loss also can occur because of a coupling facility failure when it is not possible to rebuild the structure in another coupling facility.

To rejoin the sysplex, a system must be reinitialized with sufficient signalling paths between the systems.