A method for obtaining data items from an unresponsive database host. The method includes receiving an indication that the database host is unresponsive, receiving, from a management server via a diagnostic connection, a first request for a first organized data item, and sending a first query, using a first interface, to a memory for the first organized data item. The method further includes receiving, from the management server via a normal connection, a second request for a second organized data item, retrieving, from memory on the database host, a first data item in response to the first query, converting the first data item into the first organized data item, and sending the first organized data item to the management server, wherein the first organized data item is analyzed to determine a source causing the database host to be unresponsive.