Learn more about the various types of reference codes and how they
can help you identify a problem.
Reference codes are diagnostic aids that help determine the source of a
hardware or operating system problem. When you perform the procedures in Beginning problem analysis, you will learn how to locate and record
the reference codes, which can help you better understand the problem and
how to fix it. Also, you might be able to find the code in the Reference codes list for customers for
more information about resolving it.
The following are categories of status indicators that can be displayed
in the control panel or console of the system or operating system.
- Progress codes: Progress codes (or checkpoints) offer information
about the stages involved in powering on and performing an initial program
load (IPL). Progress codes do not indicate an error, although in some cases,
your server can pause indefinitely (hang). Only when you experience such a
hang condition should you take any action based on a progress code. Progress
codes appear in several formats:
- An 8-digit hexadecimal number that begins with a C or D
- A 3-digit hexadecimal number
- A 4-digit hexadecimal number that begins with a 0 or 2
- System reference codes (SRCs): System reference codes indicate
a problem has originated in hardware, in Licensed Internal Code, or in the
operating system. A server component generates an error code when it detects
a problem. SRCs are strings of either 6 or 8 alphanumeric characters. SRCs
appear in the following format:
- An 8-character code, for example, A2xx1150, except those that begin with
a C or D (progress codes) or H (HMC error
codes)
- A 6-character code, for example, xxxxxx, except those that begin with
a 0 (HMC error codes)
- HMC error codes:
The HMC error codes can
be displayed in a window on the HMC during
system configuration and operations. They contain messages and recovery actions
regarding the HMC. They
appear in the following formats:
- A 6-digit error code that begins with 0
- An 8-digit error code that begins with the letter H
- Service request numbers (SRNs): These can be received after performing
online or eServer™ stand-alone diagnostics, or by error
log analysis. They are used to determine the source of a hardware or operating-system
problem. They are 5 to 8 characters in length, with hyphens appearing in SRNs
that are 6, 7, or 8 characters in length (one example is 2600-101). If you
receive an SRN, you should record it and contact your next level of support
or your hardware service provider for help interpreting what it means.
As a group, these codes are referred to as reference codes. The
type of code that is shown depends on the operating system you are using and
the process you were performing when the code appeared. The codes are either
displayed in an error message, recorded in a problem log entry, shown on the
system control panel, e-mailed to a designated user, shown on the HMC in a
window, or some combination of these. The system attention light might come
on if the system detects a hardware error it cannot correct, or when an action
is required.