Using SAVSYSINF to Save PTFs Applied Since Last SAVSYS

Resolving The Problem

Beginning at V5R4, a new command called SAVSYSINF was added that can be used to save a subset of data that is saved with a SAVSYS command.

Caution: Do not use the SAVSYSINF command to replace SAVSYS in your backup strategy.

SAVSYSINF saves PTFs for licensed programs 57xxSS1 and 57xx999 that were temporarily or permanently applied since running the last SAVSYS command. In addition, for loaded PTFs, the IPL action will be checked to determine if the PTF should be included. Loaded PTFs, scheduled to be applied at the next IPL, (IPL action 1 or 3) are saved. PTFs scheduled to be removed at the next IPL, (IPL action 2 or 4) are not saved.

For the SAVSYSINF command to work, when PTFs are loaded they must be copied to *SERVICE. This enables the SAVSYSINF command to find the save files of the PTFs. The Copy PTFs (CPYPTF) service attribute specifies whether to copy PTF save files into *SERVICE when PTFs are loaded from a tape or optical device. Use the CHGSRVA CPYPTF(*YES) command to change the service attribute on your system to copy PTF save files when loading PTFs from media.

If the SAVSYSINF command is being used as part of your backup strategy, the PTF save files must remain on the system until the next SAVSYS command is run. Do not run the Delete Program Temporary Fix (DLTPTF) command unless it is run just before or after running the SAVSYS command.

If you are using the SAVSYSINF support, within BRMS or natively, become familiar with the limitations and setup required as documented in the V7R1 IBM Knowledge Center:

http://www-01.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/ssw_ibm_i_71/rzaiu/rzaiusavsysinf.htm

Notes:

1.	If you download PTFs as an image, PTF savfs will not be downloaded to your system. You must ensure that you specify CPYPTF(*YES) when you load the fixes or CHGSRVA CPYPTF(*YES) prior to loading the PTFs from the image. If you use GO PTF Option 8 to install the fixes, you can specify 'Other options' = Y and change 'Copy PTF' = Y.
2.	If running V7R1 or higher and a Technology Refresh has been applied since the last SAVSYS, the SAVSYSINF will fail. A complete SAVSYS must be done after loading a Technology Refresh PTF.
3.	Additional items that are saved with SAVSYSINF include: o System reply list o Service attributes o Environment variables o Most system values, network attributes and PTFs applied since the last SAVSYS operation for 57xxSS1 and 57xx999.
4.	Items not saved with SAVSYSINF that are saved with SAVSYS: o Licensed Internal Code o QSYS library o Configuration objects o Security data o Some system values
5.	The SAVSYSINF command increases the time and complexity it takes to recover your system.
6.	During a complete system recovery, the SAVSYSINF save will also need to be recovered along with the complete SAVSYS.