Solving IMS problems by using the IMS Offline Dump Formatter

You can learn about how to approach IMS problems using IPCS and the IMS Offline Dump Formatter and how to choose FMTIMS parameters to format a system dump.

Approaching the problem

The recommended diagnostic approach with the IMS Offline Dump Formatter is:

  1. Use IEBGENER or IPCS COPYDMP to transfer the dump from the SYS1.DUMPxx data set to your own data set.
  2. Get an overview of the problem by formatting the dump with the subset option SUMMARY.
  3. Use the abend code or reason for abnormal termination, the CALLER=id, and the TCB=id from the dump title to determine the needed subset options.
  4. Format the dump again with the subset options you determined in the previous step. Use the MIN qualifier (where possible) to reduce the output size. You can always format the data again if you need more information.

    You might also need to format the z/OS® trace and control block areas, the IRLM control blocks, or the VSAM modules. These blocks cannot be formatted with the IMS Offline Dump Formatter.

  5. The formatted output is spooled. You can either print the output or use ISPF to browse it.
  6. Do additional IMS subset formatting on following jobs if necessary.
  7. If you still cannot locate or fix the problem, keep the dump data set because you need it when discussing the problem with an IBM® Software Support representative.