You can use DFSMSdss to back up VM-format volumes that are accessible to your z/OS® system. The volumes must have OS-compatible VTOCs starting on track zero, record five. DFSMSdss can only retrieve device information from the OS-compatible VTOC; it cannot interpret any VM-specific information on the volume.

Use the CPVOLUME keyword and specify the range of tracks to be backed up with the TRACKS keyword. You can use concurrent copy on VM-format volumes by specifying the CONCURRENT keyword. Because DFSMSdss cannot check access authorization for VM data, CPVOLUME is only allowed with the ADMINISTRATOR keyword.

Exercise caution when using DFSMSdss to back up VM-format volumes, because DFSMSdss does not serialize any VM data in any way. You cannot use the DFSMSdss stand-alone restore program to restore dumps of VM-format volumes.