Unexpected return codes from VSAM record management

Code to process VSAM data sets will normally handle expected return codes such as No Record Found, Duplicate Key, and Successful request. However at times, other return codes may be returned that are not handled by the code or indicate an error in VSAM record management processing.

Symptoms

The application or program issues a message or otherwise indicates it received an unusual return code from a request to VSAM record management.

How to investigate

  1. Review the RPL Feedback code returned with the descriptions in the manual DFSMS: Macro Instructions for Data Sets. If the RPL feedback code is one that the job/application should handle, change the application to handle that feedback code.
  2. If the RPL Feedback code indicates the problem may be in VSAM code a dump may be needed to determine the cause. Review the use the of the F CATALOG,VDUMPON command and issue the command to capture a dump or contact the Support Center who can assist in providing the values for the F CATALOG,VDUMPON command.
  3. Submit the dump, joblog from the job that is receiving the return code, and syslog to the Support Center.

Recovery actions

Actions to avoid recurrence