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Abstract
Per the IBM i 7.6 TR2 / 7.5 TR8 Virtual Ethernet Connectivity Advisory, some customers may wish to avoid or remove Technology Refresh (TR) 8 on IBM i 7.5 or TR2 on IBM i 7.6.
The recommended approach depends on the customer's situation.
Content
Scenario 1: System Recently Updated to Current PTF Levels and TR Removal Is Desired
If the system was recently updated to current levels of PTFs and the objective is to remove TR8 (IBM i 7.5) or TR2 (IBM i 7.6):
- Restore the Licensed Internal Code (LIC) using the SAVSYS media created prior to installing the latest PTF levels.
- Perform a SLIP install of Licensed Internal Code (LIC) using the steps in document: Steps to SLIP Install the Licensed Internal Code
Scenario 2: System Is Being Upgraded to IBM i 7.5 or IBM i 7.6
To upgrade while avoiding installation of the latest TR:
Step 1: Upgrade Licensed Internal Code (LIC)
- For IBM i 7.5, use an RSH LIC resave (TR7).
- For IBM i 7.6, use an RSC LIC resave (TR1).
Note: Prior levels of cumulative packages, group PTF packages, and IBM i resave media are generally not available through IBM ESS or standard PTF ordering systems. If an earlier RSH (IBM i 7.5) or RSC (IBM i 7.6) resave level is required, customers should open a case with IBM Support. IBM Support can provide the appropriate resave media level as needed.
Step 2: Install the Latest Cumulative and Group PTF Packages
When loading the latest cumulative and group PTFs, exclude the TR-enabling PTF:
| Release | PTF to Omit |
| IBM i 7.5 | MJ99408 |
| IBM i 7.6 | MJ99502 |
Using GO PTF option 8:
- Specify Other options = Y.
- Omit:
- 5770999/MJ99408 for IBM i 7.5
- 5770999/MJ99502 for IBM i 7.6
Step 3: Load PTFs
It is expected that some PTFs will fail to load because they have a prerequisite dependency on MJ99408 or MJ99502. As a result:
- The PTF loading process may complete with errors.
- Eligible PTFs will load successfully, but automatic marking of loaded PTFs may not occur.
Step 4: Mark and Apply Loaded PTFs
- After the load completes, run: APYPTF LICPGM(*ALL) SELECT(*ALL) APY(*TEMP) DELAYED(*YES)
- Then perform an IPL to apply the PTFs. A command like PWRDWNSYS OPTION(*IMMED) RESTART(*YES) IPLSRC(B) can be used to IPL the system.
Step 5: Verify PTF Group Status
After the IPL:
- WRKPTFGRP may show the PTF groups as Not Installed.
- This is expected because the TR-enabling PTF was intentionally excluded.
Scenario 3: Customer Wants Current PTF Levels but Does Not Want the Latest TR
Recommended Approach
The preferred recommendation is to wait for additional guidance or resolution related to the IBM i 7.6 TR2 / 7.5 TR8 Virtual Ethernet Connectivity Advisory before moving to current PTF levels.
If Current PTF Levels Are Required Immediately
- Determine whether the TR7 or TR1 PTF is already installed using DSPPTF:
| Release | Required PTF |
| IBM i 7.5 | MJ99407 |
| IBM i 7.6 | MJ99501 |
- If the required PTF is not installed:
- Order and apply:
- MJ99407 for IBM i 7.5, or
- MJ99501 for IBM i 7.6.
- An IPL will be required.
- Order and apply:
- After the TR7 or TR1 PTF is installed, follow the steps in Scenario 2 (Steps 2 through 5) to install current PTF levels while excluding:
- MJ99408 (IBM i 7.5), or
- MJ99502 (IBM i 7.6).
- Note: Prior levels of cumulative packages, group PTF packages, and IBM i resave media are generally not available through IBM ESS or standard PTF ordering systems. If an earlier RSH (IBM i 7.5) or RSC (IBM i 7.6) resave level is required as part of an upgrade or recovery strategy, customers should open a case with IBM Support. IBM Support can provide the appropriate resave media level as needed.
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Modified date:
30 September 2026
UID
ibm17289627