Overview (2011)

 Capturing the spool file may prove useful in the analysis and troubleshooting of print errors and anomalies in AS400 and other system environments.

Steps to capture spool file 

1. Create new 'OUTQ'
2. Store spool file(s) in new 'OUTQ'
3. Create save file ('SAVF')
4. View the created SAVF to make sure the spool file is successfully stored in the SAVF
5. Export 'SAVF' file to Windows client PC

 When to use

You may be requested to provide a SAVF file for diagnostic purposes. This file must be captured if a valid network trace is not possible, or if the problem is observed when printing from the host only.

What you will need

1. AS/400
2. A PC attached to the same network as the AS/400

Step 1: Create new 'OUTQ'
 

1. On the PC, open IBM System i Address for Windows. 
2. At the location of where the spool file is to be exported, start a session with the AS/400 server.
3. Create new OUTQ where you will store the spool file(s) to be exported.

To do this, enter the command crtoutq outq <library_name/outq_name> to create the OUTQ.

Step 2: Store spool file(s) in new 'OUTQ' 

4. Open the OUTQ where the spool file(s) are located.

  To do this, use the command wrtoutq <name of source OUTQ>. 

5. In the OUTQ, identify the spool file(s) to be exported, enter the "Change" option "2", and then press Enter.

Tip: Press F11 to display the parameter shortnames for easier searching.

6. Locate the OUTQ parameter by pressing PAGE DOWN to view additional (More...) parameters.
7. Remove the existing OUTQ name and replace it with the OUTQ name created in Step 1 above, and then press Enter.

Repeat this process for each of the spool files in question.

Back to top

Step 3: Create the save file 'SAVF'

Tip: Before proceeding, you can make sure your OUTQ contains the correct spool files by using the workout <name of OUTQ> command. Review the list of spool files and then proceed to this next step. 

NOTE: Make sure that any spool files containing non-standard custom files are also exported along with your spool files. This may include files such as user-defined objects or libraries

8. From the session main menu screen, enter the command crtsavf file <library_name/SAVF_name>.
9. Save the OUTQ to the SAVF using the SAVOBJ command. Enter SAVOBJ on the command line and press Enter.
   
10. Within the Save Object, you will need to input the following parameters:

    Save Object (SAVOBJ)
    Input...	Next to...	Abbreviation	Value
    1. OUTQ name from Step 2 above.	Objects......	OBJ	TRANSIT (Example)
    2. Current Library where OUTQ is stored	Library.......	LIB	QGPL (Example)
    3. *SAVF	Device....	DEV	*SAVF
    4. *OUTQ	Object type....	OBJTYPE	*OUTQ
    5. Name of SAVF and Destination Library	Save file.... Library....	SAVF	TRANSIT (Example) *LIBL (Example)
    6. Target Release *CURRENT is the default for version iSeries V6R1; if a higher version is at issue, enter V6R1 as the target.	Target....	TGTRLS	*CURRENT
    Continued.... Press F10 to display the remaining parameters and then press PAGE DOWN to view the next screen.
    7. *ALL to capture all spooled files inside the OUTQ	Spool file data....	SPLFDTA	*ALL

11. Press Enter to execute the SAVOBJ command. Tip: The entire command is as follows: savobj obj<name_of_outq> lib<lib_of_outq>dev <*savf>objtype<*outq> savf<name of savf> splfdta<*all>

Step 4: View the created 'SAVF'

Why? To make sure that the spool file is successfully stored in the SAVF.

To do this:

1. Type dspsavf file (<lib where savf is saved>/name of savf>); e.g., DSPSAVE FILE(QGPL/TRANSIT)
2. You should now see the OUTQ components: Library saved, the Object Name, File Size, and Data (Yes).
3. Type (Enter) "5" to display the contents of the OUTQ saved in the SAVF.
4. The screen should display the spool files saved in the OUTQ and corresponding SAVF.

IMPORTANT! If this list is empty, you will need to repeat Step 3.

Step 5: Export the 'SAVF' to a Windows PC

12. From the Windows PC, open a command prompt: (Start > Run, enter cmd, and then press Enter).
13. Navigate to the drive letter or directory where the SAVF file will be saved. Use any combination of cd, <driver letter:>, or other commands.
14. Type ftp <iSeries_ IP_address>, where address is the IP address of the iSeries (AS/400) server.
15. Enter User name and Password if necessary, and press Enter after entering each credential.
16. Type bin and then press Enter to put ftp session into binary mode. 
17. Use the cd command to change to the directory where the SAVF file is saved.
18. Enter the command recv <name of SAVF in AS/400>.savf <name of SAVF to be saved in PC>.savf

Final step and additional information

If you have successfully exported the SAVF file onto the PC, you can now e-mail the exported SAVF file to Lexmark Technical Support for further evaluation.

Click here for additional escalation requirements.

Click here for the English Only (.PDF) version of this procedure.

Click here for a sample illustration of the complete procedure. Click on the image to enlarge it.

Still Need Help?

If you require additional assistance, please see Contact information. NOTE: When calling for support, you will need your printer model/machine type and serial number (SN). Please be near the products described in this article to expedite the support process and reduce call-back situations.

 Back to top