IMS status code

IMS status FH: DEDB area not available

IMS status code FH means the Fast Path DEDB area the call needs can't be accessed. The area is usually stopped, not open, or marked as needing recovery.

Other names for this code

Also written as status code FH, IMS FH, DL/I status FH, FH status code, DEDB area unavailable.

What it means

A Fast Path data entry database (DEDB) is split into areas, and each area is its own VSAM data set that can be started and stopped by itself. When a call needs a root or segment stored in an area that isn't available, IMS returns FH. IBM support documents describe it as the DEDB area being inaccessible to the requested service.

Any DL/I call that has to touch the area can get FH. That covers get calls, ISRT, REPL, DLET and the Fast Path FLD call. Programs in MPP, IFP and BMP regions can get it, and so can CICS and ODBA programs that use DEDBs. Areas that are available keep working, so a program can often go on with other keys.

FH is an availability error, not a program bug. Many Fast Path programs are written to expect it, log the key and carry on.

Common causes

An operator or a utility job stopped the area with /DBR AREA or /STOP AREA, for example to take an image copy or reorganize it.
The area isn't started or couldn't be opened, often because of an allocation problem with its data set.
The area is marked as needing recovery after an I/O error or a failure.
In a data sharing group, this IMS may not be authorized to use the area at the moment.

How to find the problem

Use /DISPLAY AREA areaname to see the area's status, such as stopped, not open or recovery needed.
Check the IMS master console and system log for recent commands against the area, and for open or I/O error messages for its data set.
Use the DBRC LIST.DBDS command for the area to see its recovery status.
Check whether a utility, image copy or reorganization job was running against the area when the call failed.

How to fix it

Once the work that stopped the area is done, start it again with /START AREA areaname or the equivalent UPDATE command.
If the area needs recovery, recover it using your normal procedure, then start it.
Fix any allocation or open problem with the area's data set.
In the program, treat FH as a temporary condition. Log the key, skip it or retry later, rather than ending the whole run.

IBM documentation

IBM documentation: status FH. Use the documentation for your installed release.

Report a correction to WND Software.

Last reviewed 2026-10-18 by the WND Software team. Written in our own words. For the full reference, check IBM’s IMS documentation for your release.

Related codes

Questions

Is FH a program error?

No. It means the area holding the data isn't available. The same call works once the area is started again.

Why do some calls work and others get FH?

Each DEDB area is separate. Calls for keys in areas that are started work. Calls for keys in the stopped area get FH.

Which command shows whether an area is stopped?

/DISPLAY AREA with the area name. It shows whether the area is stopped, open, or needs recovery.

IMS DL/I status codes · IMS status DJ · IMS status GA

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