Contacting Your HP Representative

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

Your characterization should include: HP-UX and OTS commands; communication subsystem commands; job streams; result codes and messages; and data that can reproduce the problem. You should also provide a network map with the host name, IP/Internet address, and station address of each system connected with the HP system.

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

Obtain the version, update, and fix information for all software. To check the version of your kernel, execute uname -r.

This allows HP to determine if the problem is already known, and if the correct software is installed at your site.

Prepare copies of the /etc/hosts and /etc/rc.config.d/netconf files.

Run the verification command, swverify, and record the output.

Record all error messages and numbers that appear at the user terminal and the system console.

Save all network log files. Make sure that ERROR and DISASTER log classes are enabled when log files are collected. Prepare the formatted output and a copy of the log file for your HP representative to further analyze.

Prepare a listing of the HP-UX I/O configuration you are using for your HP representative to further analyze. Use the ioscan(1M) command to help collect this information.

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 that product.

Document your interim, or "workaround," solution. The cause of the problem can sometimes be found by comparing the circumstances in which it occurs with the circumstances in which it does not occur.

Create copies of any Internet or OTS/9000 link trace files that were active when the problem occurred for your HP representative to further analyze.

In the event of a system failure, a full memory dump must be taken. Use the HP-UX utility save coreto save a core dump. Send the output to your HP representative.