System information

194 Logical Partitions on System i5
6.3.4 Stopping (powering down) a running partition
The preferred method of powering down an active partition is to issue the following command.
PWRDWNSYS OPTION(*CNTRLD) DELAY(user specified delay) RESTART(*NO)
The default delay time for a controlled power down is 3600 seconds or one hour. Depending
on the particular circumstances, this value may need to be changed.
In cases where a command line is not available due to a partition loop or wait state, the
partition can be brought down as follows.
1. Access the LPAR functions menu using one of the methods in 6.1, “Accessing LPAR
functions” on page 178.
2. Select Shut Down Partitions. A dialog like the one in Figure 6-21 is shown.
3. Choose the desired shutdown type:
– Delayed: This option is delayed power off and is the same as pressing the power
button twice on a stand-alone machine or taking option 7 from the virtual panel. The
operating system does not have an opportunity to shut down, but changed pages are
written out to disk.
– Immediate: This option is an immediate power down and is the same as panel function
8.
Tip: In the case of either a partition loop or wait, it is highly recommended to capture a
main storage dump (MSD) of the partition. It is not required, but without a MSD, problem
diagnosis and resolution is often severely restricted.
Refer to 6.5.3, “Performing main storage dumps” on page 200 for additional information.
Note: When choosing between shutdown types, use Delayed first, and then select
Immediate only if the delayed shutdown has not been progressing for several minutes.