MustGather: Servlet engine and Web container errors on WebSphere Application Server V5.0 and 5.1.
 Technote (troubleshooting)
 
Problem(Abstract)
Collecting data for problems with HTTP Status code 500 "Internal Server Error" or any WebSphere® Application Server V5.0 and 5.1 servlet engine and Web container errors logged in Application Server logs. Gathering the information before calling IBM® support will help familiarize you with the troubleshooting process and save you time.
 
Resolving the problem
If you have already contacted support, continue on to the Servlet Engine/Web Container MustGather information. Otherwise, refer to MustGather: Read first for all WebSphere Application Server products.
Servlet Engine and Web container specific MustGather information
If possible, provide a simple testcase that has no external depenancies. If a testcase cannot be provided, collect the following data:
  1. Run genHistoryReport.bat or genHistoryReport.sh which is located in the following directory:

    install_root/bin

    The historyreport.html will be generated your working directory.

  2. Stop the Web server and delete all Web server logs and the http_plugin.log file on the Web server system.

  3. If you suspect that the problem might be related to WebSphere Application Server plug-in, or to Web server itself, enable full plug-in trace.

  4. Important: Synchronize clocks on all Web server and WebSphere Application Server systems.

  5. Clear all Application Server logs:
    • native_stderr
    • native_stdout
    • SystemErr
    • SystemOut

    The log files are located in the following directory:

    install_root/logs/server_name

    Note: If you have configured to write Application Server log files into a different location, then clear them accordingly.

  6. Clear all Application Server FFDC logs. FFDC files are located in the following directory:

    install_root/logs/ffdc

    Note: If you have configured to write FFDC log files into a different location, then clear them accordingly.

  7. Enable and collect Application Server traces with the following trace string:

    Servlet_Engine=all=enabled:HTTP_Transport=all=enabled

    For detailed instructions on enabling trace, see How to setup a Trace.

When you recreate problem
Capture the following data quickly:
  1. Capture a browser screen shot displaying the error. On windows press <Alt>+<PrtSc> to capture the current browser window into the clipboard. Paste that into a file.

  2. Collect the following documents and information:
    1. Were clocks synchronized?

    2. The Application Server logs such as the following:
      • native_stderr
      • native_stdout
      • SystemErr
      • SystemOut
      • trace

    3. FFDC logs with the current date, located in the following directory:

      install_root/logs/ffdc

    4. The server.xml file that is located in the directory:

      install_root/config/cells/cell_name/nodes/
      node_name
      /servers/server_name

    5. The http_plugin.log file.

    6. The plugin-cfg.xml file.

    7. The Web server configuration files, such as httpd.conf for IBM HTTP Server.

    8. The Web server logs, such as access and error logs for IBM HTTP Server.

    9. Screen capture.

    10. The historyReport.html file from running genHistoryReport.bat or genHistoryReport.sh

  3. Follow instructions to send diagnostic information to IBM support.

For a listing of all technotes, downloads, and educational materials specific to the Servlet Engine/Web Container component, search the WebSphere Application Server support site.
 
Related information
Submitting information to IBM support
Steps to getting support
Troubleshooting guide
MustGather Servlet Engine 6.0
Instructions for plugin-trace
 
 
Cross Reference information
Segment Product Component Platform Version Edition
Application Servers Runtimes for Java Technology Java SDK
 
 


Document Information


Product categories: Software > Application Servers > Distributed Application & Web Servers > WebSphere Application Server > Servlet Engine/Web Container
Operating system(s): Windows
Software version: 5.1
Software edition:
Reference #: 1190049
IBM Group: Software Group
Modified date: Feb 26, 2007