You also can request that data sets be retained only while they are cataloged. For a single data set that spans multiple volumes, DFSMSrmm retains all other volumes on which the data set is still cataloged. However, if DFSMSrmm releases the data set during normal expiration processing, DFSMSrmm also releases all volumes of a multivolume data set. See z/OS DFSMSrmm Implementation and Customization Guide for information about specifying the parmlib OPTION UNCATALOG operand to control how DFSMSrmm uncatalogs data sets.

Data sets that are created by long-running batch jobs might become opened before but become cataloged after a run of inventory management. Use the parmlib OPTION CATRETPD to protect any of these data sets that match a vital record specification that specifies WHILECATALOG and to retain them in their current location. The CATRETPD option specifies the number of hours DFSMSrmm retains catalog-controlled data sets even if they have never been cataloged. DFSMSrmm retains the data set for the catalog retention period if the data set has never been cataloged. DFSMSrmm does not retain the data set if the data set has been cataloged and uncataloged during the catalog retention period. Setting the parmlib OPTION CATRETPD(12) RETPD(0) MAXRETPD(0) ensures that DFSMSrmm vital record specifications only controls retention.