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Status Submitted
Created by Guest
Created on Feb 10, 2026

Command to search for VTOCIX error

Good morning;

Observation/investigation:

Through 3.4, while performing a search for a dataset, I decided to place an ASTRIX on the Volume search, which the following error message was view on the upper right-hand corner of the screen: VTOC ERROR. 

- Performed more searches by the volume HLQ and there was only 2 containing the VTOC ERROR message

The following was performed to check the VVDS and VTOC of the volumes:

IDCAMS job DIAGNOSE VVDS did not have any errors:

/VVDS DD DSN=SYS1.VVDS.VPS7005,DISP=SHR
/SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=* 
/SYSIN DD * 
DIAGNOSE VVDS INFILE(VVDS) LIST

IEHLIST job LISTVTOC FORMAT did not have any errors:

//DD1 DD UNIT=3390,DISP=SHR,VOL=SER=PS7004
//SYSIN DD * 
LISTVTOC FORMAT,VOL=3390=PS7004

Then going through FILEAIDE selecting VTOC, searched for the 2 volumes a select mapping. 

In the utility VTOC listing it referenced: LOST SPACE and stat: UN

Example:

CCCCC-HH -------- D A T A S E T N A M E ----------- Org Trks XofY Stat
00234 00 > > > L O S T S P A C E < < < LS 1 0 0 > UN

Results:

IBM Support pointed to an SMS command to VALIDATE VTOC errors, but the command does not VALIDATE for VTOCIX errors, which they informed the errors I encountered were VTOCIX errors and not VTOC errors.

Request:

Since there is an SMS command to VALDIATE VTOC errors I would like to request the same for the VTOCIX errors.

- Yes, they maybe ways to try and create a report with REXX or even preforming a report but having the command available would be less user error in trying to find the error in other ways and also the time consumed in trying to figure out on how to find the error and also trying to fix it.

- Understanding there could be a 3rd party software which can perform this but again having the command useful would save on money.

- Also having new and up and coming z/OS programmers or Storage Admins can be helpful which they can further use the command in a variety of ways in adding it to schedule or a batch job.

- Most importantly having a command available would prevent the time in finding/investigating the error then be knowledgeable in perform a VTOC REFRESH command or contacting IBM Support an inform about what VTOC ERROR was found and then being informed to perform a VTOC REFRESH.

Idea priority Low