IBM SY44-5902-05 Online problem analysis and resolution Introduction, System-detected problems

vF12 key causes a return to the previous display. You can use this key to return through the prompts to the first service tool display that has an option that can cancel the service tool.

vF16 key always returns control to the System Service Tools (SST) display; it does not cancel the active service tool.

Online problem analysis and resolution

Introduction

Online Problem Analysis and Resolution (PAR) consists of the following:

vDisplays and prompts to instruct the customer and service representative through problem analysis.

vProblem analysis for the hardware and software parts of the devices to perform problem analysis.

vThe problem log, which contains system problem descriptions and the status of each problem.

vThe Service Support Facility, which controls reporting the problems to the service support system.

Online PAR manages system errors and gives the customer maximum system availability, effective problem analysis, and a set of software tools for analyzing, repairing, and reporting problems. It runs concurrently with other customer programs; therefore any part of the system that is not usable by the customer is also unavailable for a problem analysis task. The customer should be aware of this when deciding to run Online PAR.

Another part of PAR is the iSeries server problem management functions. This provides automated problem analysis, automated problem logging and tracking, automated problem reporting, and problem correction. It quickly and accurately manages problems occurring on the system. For more information on the automated problem management functions, see “Service attributes (DSPSRVA or CHGSRVA) commands” on page 299.

Online help is available by pressing the Help key. Some displays might have more than one Help screen. Additional Help screens are indicated by a (+) or More... in the lower right hand corner. To display these screens, press the Roll or Page keys.

System failures fall into two groups:

vSystem-detected

vCustomer-detected

System-detected problems

System-detected problem management starts with the detection of a software or hardware error by a device that is attached to the system. When software logically detects a problem, the system collects the data and notes the error. When a device physically detects a problem, the device uses the common I/O interface to report an error message (note) to the system. The system uses these error notes to create a problem log entry and sends a message to the QSYSOPR message queue. The problem log entry has a description of the failing device. This description allows a problem analysis procedure to be called without initial customer input.

290Service Functions V5R2