If SMP/E has difficulty accessing a VSAM data set, it issues message GIM27901S to tell you that a VSAM error has occurred. The message contains a VPLFUNCT value, which may be specified on the DEBUG DUMPRPL command to request a dump of the RPL control block. This dump will be written to the SMPDEBUG data set. (For more information on this command, see When VSAM errors occur during attempts to access a CSI data set and the DEBUG command in SMP/E for z/OS Commands.) You may also see many other messages, depending on the particular VSAM problem. Here are the steps you should follow to correct these problems:

1. Look up any messages you received in SMP/E messages to see if there is any information that can help you correct the problem. Sometimes, the information in the messages may not be definitive enough to correct the problem. However, save any information you can find; it will be important if you call the IBM® Support Center.
2. Use the AMS EXAMINE command to analyze errors in the index and data portion of the cluster.
3. If you obtained an RPL dump, review its contents.
   The RPL fields that you should check first are in the feedback word at offset X'0C' (the RPL function, the RPL return code, and the error code), as follows:

   X'00'

   ID word

   X'04'

   Pointer to placeholder

   X'08'

   ECB information

   X'0C'

   Feedback word

   X'0C'

   Function <===

   X'0D'

   Feedback area

   X'0D'

   RPL return code <===

   X'0E'

   RPL condition

   X'0F'

   Error code <===

   For an explanation of the RPL return and error codes, see z/OS DFSMS Macro Instructions for Data Sets.

4. If none of these steps correct the problem, call the IBM Support Center. They will help you request a dump of the RPL control block to obtain further information.