The process of installing Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs) on IBM i systems is a critical aspect of system maintenance, allowing for the correction of issues and the application of updates without requiring full program upgrades. PTFs are temporary fixes applied to programs until a permanent fix is available through a new release. This article details the procedures for ordering, installing, and verifying PTFs, drawing solely from the provided documentation. It covers methods including using images, physical media, and save files, as well as confirming the status of installed PTFs.
Ordering PTFs
Users with QSECOFR profile and full system access can order PTFs directly through the GO PTF menu. Option 6 within this menu initiates the Send PTF Order process. Users can specify either a specific PTF number or request a cumulative package or group package. Upon entering the desired PTF information, the system prompts for confirmation of contact details before submitting the service request. The download process displays diagnostic and progress messages. It is recommended to follow IBM’s guidance, including upgrade planning and customer notices, when installing Technology Refreshes, which are more complex than installing single PTFs or packages. Resources for Technology Refresh guidance are available at https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-i-technology-refresh.
Installation Methods
Several methods exist for installing PTFs, each with its own considerations. These include using images, physical media, and downloading as save files. When ordering cumulative or group packages, utilizing images or physical media is recommended over downloading as save files. A stable network connection is essential when downloading PTFs as save files, as interruptions can lead to incomplete files and installation failures, requiring manual cleanup and re-downloading.
Image Catalog Installation
Installing PTFs via an image catalog involves several steps. First, an image catalog must be created. Image catalog entries are then added from the PTF files. The image catalog is subsequently loaded onto a virtual optical device. Verification of the image catalog is then performed. Finally, the PTFs are installed from the loaded image catalog using option 8 from the PTF menu. Once installation is complete, the image catalog can be unloaded to free up space.
The specific commands for loading the image catalog to a virtual device are: LODIMGCLG IMGCLG(new catalog from Step 4) DEV(virtual optical device name). To install the PTFs using the new image catalog entries, the following commands are used: GO PTF, then 8, specifying the virtual optical device name, setting Automatic IPL to N, and other options as needed.
Physical Media Installation
The documentation indicates that when using physical media, multiple volume sets should be processed with a single GO PTF Option 8 command, utilizing the 'Prompt for media' value of 2 or 3. Performing a separate GO PTF Option 8 command for each volume set without an intervening IPL is discouraged.
Save File Installation
Downloading PTFs as save files requires a stable network connection. Disconnections during the transfer can result in incomplete save files, leading to installation failures and necessitating manual cleanup and re-downloading.
Installing PTFs: Step-by-Step
The primary method for installing PTFs involves using the GO PTF menu, specifically option 8, which opens the Install Options for Program Temporary Fixes menu. The Device parameter should be set to *SERVICE. Automatic IPL should be set to N, allowing for a manual IPL if needed. Other options should be set to Y. On the Other Install Options screen, the Apply type should be changed to 2 to apply immediate and delayed PTFs.
Post-Installation Verification
After installation, it is crucial to verify the status of the PTFs. From the GO PTF menu, option 5 can be used to Display a Program Temporary Fix. Users can specify a particular PTF or use *ALL to view information for all installed PTFs. The documentation highlights that a newly installed PTF is initially marked as “Temporarily applied” and becomes “Permanently applied” after an IPL (Initial Program Load).
The documentation also notes that a PTF status can be “Superseded,” indicating that it has been replaced by a newer PTF and does not need to be installed separately. The newer, superseding PTF should be installed instead. Option 17 (Position to) can be used within the Display a Program Temporary Fix screen to search for a specific PTF.
IPL and Final Verification
Following PTF installation, an IPL of the system is often required to fully apply the fixes. After the IPL, the command WRKPTFGRP should be issued to ensure that Cumulative and Group PTFs show an “Installed” status.
Best Practices
The documentation recommends reviewing cumulative instructions before installing any PTFs. These instructions can be found on the Preventative Service Planning (PSP) website, specifically the SF99VRM PSP document for the installed IBM i release (e.g., SF99740 for IBM i R740). When using an image catalog, all images for all groups should be added to a single catalog. Only one GO PTF Option 8 command should be processed per IPL.
Planning Fix Management
Effective fix management is essential. IBM provides resources for planning a fix management strategy, available at https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.4?topic=fixes-planning-your-fix-management-strategy. Additional information on installing fixes can be found at https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.4?topic=fixes-installing, and information on where to find information about fixes is available at https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.4?topic=terms-where-find-information-about-fixes.
Conclusion
Installing and managing PTFs is a vital process for maintaining the stability and functionality of IBM i systems. The documentation outlines several methods for ordering and installing PTFs, emphasizing the importance of careful planning, verification, and adherence to best practices. Understanding the different installation methods, verifying PTF status, and performing a post-installation IPL are crucial steps in ensuring successful PTF application.