Return Code 74 (81) in DBUTLTY & MUF dynamic allocation error

Products

• Datacom
• Datacom/DB
• Datacom/AD

Issue/Introduction

After doing an INIT and RETIX  or LOAD in a DBUTLTY step, a REPORT AREA=IXX in a subsequent step in the same job gets error:

DB13001E - UNEXPECTED RETURN CODE 74 (81) OPEN ALLOCATION ERROR
In the MUF Errors:
DB01401E - MVS DYNAMIC ALLOCATION ERROR, DDNAME=IXX001  , R15=4, ERROR=0210, INFO=0000
DB00501E - OPEN ERROR - RETURN CODE 74 (081) CXX=DVCXX    IXX00001
           
Why does the report get a return code 74(81) when the file exists?

Environment

Release: 15.1

Cause

The dynamic allocation error code in the MUF is 0210 - Requested data set unavailable.  It means the dataset  is allocated to another job and it's usage attribute conflicts with this request.  

The problem occurs if the file is allocated with DISP=NEW in one step in the job, and the same file is allocated in subsequent steps with DISP=SHR to perform other DBUTLTY functions. If functions like REPORT AREA=IXX is invoked which needs to run under the MUF, then the MUF will try to allocate and open the file.
 
The allocation error occurs because the batch job still has exclusive control of the file, so the MUF cannot allocate it. This is due to a z/OS restriction. When a step allocates a file with DISP=NEW it will hold on to it until the job ends even if subsequent steps specify DISP=SHR. In the IBM documentation on the DISP Parameter it states:
"When any step of a job requests exclusive control of a data set, with an exception of when the job is allowed to downgrade ENQs via the DSENQSHR specification, the system converts all requests for shared control of that data set within that job (DISP=SHR) to requests for exclusive control. One of two methods can be used to request exclusive control: DISP=NEW, DISP=MOD, or DISP=OLD on a JCL request." 

Resolution

You can resolve this by one of these methods:

• Run the REPORT AREA=IXX or other DBUTLTY functions that required the MUF in a separate job
• Specify DSENQSHR=ALLOW in the JOB card. This option became available from z/OS V2.1.

Additional Information

Article 57638 lists common dynamic allocation errors that you will see in the DB01401E message in the MUF 

IBM documentation on the DISP Parameter and DSENQSHR parameter