Appendix A Submitting a CR

• A characterization of the problem. Describe the events and symptoms leading up to and including the problem. Attempt to describe the source of the problem.

  Your characterization should include:

  • MPE/iX commands

  • Communication subsystem commands

  • Job streams

  • Result codes and messages

  • Data that can reproduce the problem

    Illustrate as clearly as possible the context of any messages. Prepare copies of information displayed at the system console and user terminal(s).

• Obtain the version, update, and fix information for all software using NMMAINT.PUB.SYS. This allows Hewlett-Packard to determine if the problem is already known, and if the correct software is installed at your site.

  • Record all error messages and numbers that appear at the user terminal(s) and the system console.

  • Run NMDUMP.PUB.SYS to format the NM log file that was active when the problem occurred (NMLGnnnn.PUB.SYS). You may need to issue the MPE/iX command SWITCHNMLOG to free the NM log file.

  Using NMDUMP, format the log file for NETXPORT (3), DC/LDM (4), NETIPC (5), Network Services (6), and Link Manager (8) information. Prepare the formatted output and a copy of the log file for your Hewlett-Packard Service Representative to further analyze.

• Prepare a listing of the configuration file and the MPE/iX I/O configuration you are using for your Hewlett-Packard Service Representative to further analyze. Inspect the output and try to locate errors.

• Try to determine the general area within the software where you think the problem exists. Refer to the appropriate reference manual and follow the guidelines on gathering information for problems.

  • Using NS 3000/iX Network Services for NS 3000/iX.

  • Online Diagnostic Subsystems Utilities Manual for the IEEE 802.3 links.

  • HP 36923 Central Bus Programmable Serial Interface Installation and Reference Guide for point-to-point links.

• Issue the LINKCONTROL linkname; STATUS = command for each link. Retain the output for your Hewlett-Packard Service Representative to further analyze.

• Document your interim, or "workaround" solution. The cause of the problem can sometimes be found by comparing the interim environment with the environment in which the error occurred.

• Create copies of any NS 3000/iX or NetIPC user trace (SOCK####.grp.acct), Network Transport trace (NMTC####.PUB.SYS), and communication link trace files that were active when the problem occurred for your Hewlett-Packard Service Representative to further analyze.

• If the problem involves NMMGR, give a copy of NMMGRF.PUB.SYS to your Hewlett-Packard Service Representative.

• In the event of a system failure, a full memory dump must be taken. Always send the unformatted memory dump, a listing of the configuration file, a copy of the file LOADMAP.PUB.SYS, and the I/O configuration.

• If the problem involves a link failure, create copies of any link dump files (NETDMP##.PUB.SYS) for your Hewlett-Packard Service Representative to further analyze.