System error options

The selective memory dump table (SMDT) and dump override tables control dump content. These tables determine which functional areas are included or excluded in a dump for a particular system error number.

For application errors it is possible to reduce the output to only produce a dump of the ECB virtual memory.

A duplicate error suppression option is available that prevents main storage dumps if the program name and version is identical to a previous error.

These and other self-explanatory options are specified in alter or display system error options and keypoint record A, and can be modified by patching at load time or by using commands.

The following commands control the production of the dump caused by a system error.
  • Use the ZASER command to change the system error options and the SNAP dump options. These options control the amount and type of data written to the system console and the dump device when a system error dump (SERRC) or SNAP dump (SNAPC) occurs. These options also control the amount and type of data passed to the dump data user exit. For more information, see ZASER: Alter system error options.
  • Use the ZDSER command to display the system error options set by the ZASER command. For more information, see ZDSER: Display system error options.
  • Use the ZIDOT command to override the SMDT and existing override tables if you need more than the standard amount of data to debug a particular problem. Supply the system error number and the keywords that correspond to the areas of main storage that you want to include in the dump. For example, IMFST is a keyword that identifies the module file status table storage. For more information, see ZIDOT: Display or modify dump override table.
  • Use the ZSTRC command to control the system trace options. For more information, see ZSTRC: Alter and display system trace options.
  • Use the ZSPER command to change or display program event recording options online. Be careful when you use this command because it can affect system performance. For more information, see ZSPER–Alter and display PER options.