Performing an IBM i main storage dump

A main storage dump is a collection of data from the main storage in IBM® i. It can be manually initiated when the system administrator suspects a system wait or loop, or can be automatically initiated by the server firmware as the result of a system failure.

1. Verify that no interactive jobs are running.
2. On the control panel, select manual mode.
3. Use the increment or decrement button to select function 22 (main storage dump).
4. Press Enter (the middle button) on the control panel.
5. Is 00000000 or FF displayed on the control panel for more than 30 seconds?
   • Yes: The service processor or server firmware is not responding to a request from the control panel. Contact your next level of support or your hardware service provider.
   • No: An attention SRC A1xx3022 is displayed, which indicates that function 22 has been selected. Continue with the next step.
6. Perform the following steps:
   1. Ensure function 22 is shown on the control panel and press Enter (the middle button) again.
   2. Switch back to Normal mode and wait for the dump to complete. If function 22 was selected, the appearance of an A2D03000 reference code on the console indicates that a successful user-initiated main storage dump was performed. (A B6xxxxxx reference code indicates that a successful IBM i initiated main storage dump was performed.
7. For details on how to copy, report, or delete a dump after you have completed a dump, refer to managing dumps.