How to search problem-reporting databases

After you obtain background information about the problem you are diagnosing, you can then use that information to create search arguments to search problem-reporting databases for known problems that describe an aspect of a program failure.

You use keyword strings to search an IBM® Technical Support database for documents such as Authorized Program Analysis Reports (APARs), Preventative Service Planning buckets, or Technotes for information about the resolution of reported problems. If the search is successful, you will find a similar problem description, and usually a fix or recommendation. If the failure is one that is not known, you will use the keywords to describe the failure when you contact IBM Product Software Support for assistance.

Some optional search tools might require keywords in a structured database (SDB) format.