Troubleshooting software installation problems

This information describes common problem scenarios, recovery methods, and ways to get help if you encounter a problem during IBM® i software installation.

Error messages and reference codes (also known as system reference codes or SRCs) let you know that an error occurred during the installation process. Use the error messages or reference codes to determine which part of the process failed.

Where to begin recovery
When you determine that you have an IBM i software installation error, first you need to determine what your first step to recovery should be.
Image catalog recovery
If you used an image catalog to install IBM i software, follow these procedures to determine where the failure occurred and the appropriate recovery action.
Operations Console recovery
Following are common problems that can occur when using Operations Console during an IBM i installation or upgrade.
Starting point for automatic installation recovery
If you used the automatic installation process (replacing an IBM i release using automatic installation), use the following information to determine where the failure occurred and the appropriate recovery action.
Licensed Internal Code recovery
Use this procedure if an error occurred when you installed the Licensed Internal Code.
Operating system recovery
Use this procedure if an error occurred when you installed the IBM i operating system.
Licensed programs, PTFs, and secondary language recovery
Use this procedure if an error occurred when you installed an IBM i licensed program, PTF, or secondary language.
Starting the automatic installation process again
If you want to start the IBM i automatic installation process again after recovering from an error, use one of these methods.
Starting the manual installation process again
If you want to start the IBM i manual installation process again after recovering from an error, use one of these methods.
Initialize System (INZSYS) recovery
In an IBM i software upgrade, the installation is complete when the licensed program portion of the installation process and the INZSYS process is completed successfully. If the INZSYS process did not complete, follow these procedures.
Disk configuration warning and error messages
You see a disk configuration warning or an error report on a display when your system detects errors or warning conditions in your disk configuration. You might see this display immediately after the hardware upgrade procedure or while you are installing the IBM i operating system.
Starting from a power-off condition
If your system must be powered on, perform these steps.
Reference codes for IBM i software installation
If a reference code appeared during the automatic or manual installation, use these procedures.

Parent topic: Installing, upgrading, or deleting IBM i and related software