Service and support

Introduction

Preventive

Corrective

Problem Mgmt.

	How to order PTFs   |   How to send dumps/traces to IBM

This page contains information for z/VSE and VSE/ESA customers who have been asked by their IBM support representative to send data associated with a PMR (Problem Management Record) to a specific IBM FTP server and target directory via the Internet. Sending data such as dumps, traces, etc. (referred to as testcase(s)) electronically helps IBM identify and resolve problems expeditiously.

	z/VSE Problem Determination Guide (220 KB)
	System Hints and Tips from VSE Level 2 and Change Teams

Before sending any testcase(s) via the Internet, you will be given instructions by the support representative who is working on your problem. The IBM representative will give you the PMR number, the target FTP server and other necessary information in order to send the requested documentation.

Sending testcase(s) via FTP have two different types of data formats:

• Binary format, for example, dumps residing either in the VSE dump library or on a stand alone dump tape or disk.
• Text format, for example, printed dumps or traces residing in the VSE/POWER LST  queue.

Please see the following documents for detailed instructions:

	Step by step example for binary data (200 KB)
	Step by step example for text data  (20 KB)

When sending data, use the following file naming convention to allow for the IBM internal automated support tools to move the testcase(s) to the appropriate directories and update the PMR to state that the testcase has arrived successfully. You must use a unique file name for every document you place on the server.

Note: If the testcase file(s) cannot be associated with an existing PMR, they will be tagged as lost and eventually deleted.

File naming convention for testcase files must be in the designated format  xxxxx.bbb.ccc.yyy.zzz , e.g. 34143.055.724.sad00003.bin. In this example, 724 is the country code for Germany, for your country code check your PMR number or see  here.

Note: Per default a FTP connection does not have any security. Secure and trusted data transfer is important. We offer a secure and trusted way to transfer your data to IBM via Secure FTP. Please  contact us for detailed instructions.

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