MainframeKit

AEXL

File not available (DISABLED); also AEIS, AEILCICS ABEND

A CICS file command returned a condition, and the program had no RESP check for it, so CICS ended the task with that condition's abend code. The code tells you which state the file is in.

MOST LIKELY

An overnight batch job closed and disabled the file so it could update the data set, and the step that gives it back did not run.

FIRST CHECK

Name the condition from the abend code.

TRY IT ▸

MainframeKit assistant

What it means

Each file condition that the program does not handle has its own abend code, so the code already tells you what CICS found:

AEXL — DISABLED: the file is defined to the region but has been disabled.

AEIS — NOTOPEN: the file is defined but closed (or could not be opened).

AEIL — FILENOTFOUND (older name DSIDERR): the file name in the command is not defined to this region.

Typical causes

  • An overnight batch job closed and disabled the file so it could update the data set, and the step that gives it back did not run.
  • A new program version names a file that is not installed in this region yet.
  • The program assumes every key typed on the screen exists, with no NOTFND check.
  • CICS tried to open the file and could not: the data set is missing, or a batch job still has it.

How to fix it

  1. Name the condition from the abend code.
  2. Check the file with CEMT I FILE.
  3. Closed and disabled after batch: confirm the batch job has finished with the data set, then CEMT S FILE(name) OPE ENA, and retry the transaction.
  4. Not defined: the file needs a resource definition installed in this region (usually the CICS systems team).
  5. NOTFND: a data or program question, not a file state. The program should handle it and tell the user.
  6. Afterwards: make the reopen step run even after a warning, and add RESP checks so users get a clear message instead of an abend.

Example

Illustrative only; names and values are invented.

DFHAC2206 07:12:40 CICSA Transaction ACIN failed with abend AEXL. Updates to local
          recoverable resources backed out.