IBM EREP Records

Products

• VM:Tape for z/VM

Issue/Introduction

IBM EREP Records.

Does VM:Tape generate IBM EREP Records?

Environment

VM:Tape r2.0 running on z/VM operating system.

Resolution

VM:Tape generates an outboard record (OBR) for the IBM Environmental Record Editing and Printing (EREP) program when it detects temporary and permanent I/O errors. If CP rejects the OBR, VM:Tape generates message 105I. See the Message Reference, for complete message information.

VM:Tape generates an OBR whenever it starts an I/O request to a tape drive and encounters a unit-check condition. Bad media, bad hardware, or bad software (for example, a defective channel program) can cause a unit-check.

The EREP program reads OBRs generated by hardware and software. EREP manipulates these records to produce diagnostic reports about I/O subsystems, tapes, or the processor. You can use EREP information to identify failing hardware and bad media before a device fails. If a device fails, the information that is obtained from EREP aids the hardware service representative in diagnosing the cause.

VM:Tape issues permanent and temporary OBRs for 3420, 3480, 3490E, and 3590-type tape drives.