OpenVMS System Messages

This document serves as a comprehensive guide for users to understand and manage system messages within the OpenVMS operating system. Its primary purpose is to instruct users on how to utilize the online Help Message utility (MSGHLP) to access detailed descriptions of system messages. The manual also includes hardcopy descriptions of messages that may appear when the operating system or the Help Message utility itself is not fully functional.

The guide is divided into two main parts:

• Part I (Tutorial Information): This section covers the fundamental aspects of OpenVMS system messages, including their standard format, how the system reports messages, methods for retrieving system messages (both online via MSGHLP and using the F$MESSAGE lexical function), descriptions of exception conditions, and basic recovery procedures for common errors (command entry errors, unavailable resources, programming errors, and system software/hardware problems). It also provides instructions on customizing the Help Message database, such as creating message files, defining search paths, and modifying existing message data.
• Part II (Message Descriptions): This part alphabetically lists and describes messages associated with specific OpenVMS facilities, including BACKUP, BUGCHECK, INSTALL, IOGEN, LAVC, LOGIN, MOUNT, STDRV, SYSBOOT, SYSGEN, SYSINIT, and VAXport, along with some messages from LAT and SYSTEM facilities. Each message description typically includes an explanation of the error and recommended user actions.