Performing a system dump by using the management console

Your next level of support or your service provider might request that you perform a system dump if a wait or a loop in the server firmware is suspected. You can use the Hardware Management Console (HMC) to perform a system dump, which is a collection of data from the server hardware and firmware.

About this task

Use this procedure only under the direction of your next level of support or your service provider, after you provide a dump of the operating system to your next level of support or service provider.

To start a system dump on HMC, complete the following steps:
  1. Perform a controlled shutdown of all partitions.
    Note: A system dump abnormally ends any running partitions.
  2. In the navigation area, click the HMC Management icon Resources, and then click All Systems.
  3. To view the actions for that server, select the server name of the required server.
  4. In the navigation area, click Serviceability > Serviceability.
  5. In the Serviceability window, under View and Collect, click Manage Dumps.
  6. In the Manage Dumps window, click Action > Initiate System Dump.
  7. In the Manage Dumps, Initiate Dump window, select the Managed target system, and then click OK. The dump is automatically saved to the HMC.
    Note: After a system dump operation is initiated, the system automatically restarts. When the system reaches the standby state, the system dump data is saved onto the HMC. If you power off the system before the data is saved, the system dump data is corrupted and the data cannot be used to debug the system. Ensure that the system dump data is saved before you power off the system. You can monitor the progress of the system dump save operation in the Manage Dumps window.

    For information about how to copy, report, or delete a dump after you complete a dump, see Managing dumps.