CAX V4R4 and the IFS

[J.Pluta]

Okay, folks, I tried asking about this a while back (specifically with the QSYS library system), and got no answers. I thought I'd try again, since the symptoms have worsened. I'm running Windows 2000. I've got V4R4M0 of Client Access Express and the latest PTFs for it applied. I've got a brand new V4R4 of OS/400, but haven't applied PTFs yet. I use Ops Nav to share a folder, then use Windows to map a drive to that share. I use Windows Explorer to access the folder, and then use Notepad to open a file. It comes up dandy. I go to save the file. Then evil strikes... I get an "Access Denied" message from Notepad. Whoops! That's a bad thing. Maybe authority, right? I check my folders, and everybody and their brother (read *PUBLIC) has read, write and execute access to all the folders (including <shudder> root). Not understanding, I check the file again... HORRORS! It's now at ZERO BYTES, and when I try to read it again... IT'S EMPTY! This is NOT a good thing, I'm thinking. Any thoughts? Joe

[David Abramowitz]

Just curious -- Have you described this problem through ECS as yet? Dave

[Guest.Visitor]

Apply the latest V4R4 cume, C0147440? There are lots of Netserver fixes that are independent of CAX but would certainly affect it. Including stuff like crashing the AS400 while browsing NT shares....

[J.Pluta]

Nope. Just really identified the issue this weekend, and I'm an absolute novice at reporting things through the ECS. In fact, I know next to nothing about the whole problem reporting/PTF process... this is the first time I've ever owned an AS/400. The last time I was an operator, it was on a S/38 a decade or so ago. Can you recommend a good webpage to start learning about basic operations? Joe

[Guest.Visitor]

Well, the "other" publication has made an http://www.as400network.com/resources/starterkit/ Most of IBM's manuals are available online in HTML or PDF format, at http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/html/as400/online/v4r4eng.htm. The specific book "AS/400 Basic System Operation, Administration, and Problem Handling V4R4" is at http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/cgi-bin/bookmgr/BOOKS/QB3AGO03/CCONTENTS This book should have shipped with your system, and should also be on the SoftCopy CD. The InfoCenter should also have shipped on CD, but doesn't contain much system operation info. It's also online. There's a lot of information available at http://as400service.ibm.com/. You can even download most individual PTFs via the internet thru their iPTF facility. Lots faster than a 9600-baud modem. It may be tricky to set up; we couldn't get it working with IE, but could with Netscape. I searched the APARs for 'access and denied' and found this in Info Apar II11904: If the user is getting "access denied" error messages when trying to map a drive to an AS/400 NetServer share from Operations Navigator, try to "open" the share first. After opening the share, the user should be able to successfully map the drive Not exactly what you were talking about, but kinda close. Most of all, though, I'd recommend applying your latest Cume PTF CD, since you said you've "got a new V4R4 of OS/400, but haven't applied PTFs yet". If you do end up contacting IBM support, they'll probably ask what your Cume level is, and/or if this or that PTF is active on your system. Best, Ken

[J.Pluta]

Just for fun, I went to the "other magazine", and of the 11 articles that came up for "Starter Kit", 8 of them required that I pay $149/year to see them (including what was probably the one you mentioned). But first I had to join, and then log in, only to find that I'm not able to see the article I needed. Joe

[David Abramowitz]

Here's a list of steps for ECS reporting. I know some of it may be vague, but I'm nowhere near an AS/400 session at the moment. <ul> Make sure you have ECS. If not do not go any further. Make sure the ECS modem is connected, and working. Type WRKPRB and press ENTER. From this screen, you can do most anything. Press the appropriate command key to report a new problem. Follow the directions on the following screens. Eventually you will get to a screen, where you will be able to "report" your problem. . .do so. If your keywords are immediately recognized, IBM will instantly start sending PTFs to apply. If this happens apply them, if not wait for the inevitable phone call from IBM support. [/list] Dave

[Guest.Visitor]

Oh, well. Sorry. Maybe I should lend you the cookie file they must be using to let me in. Or would that be like "lending" you a password? I wonder what the legal status of cookies is vs. passwords.... Best of luck, Ken

[Guest.Visitor]

Joe, Did you set up the share as read-only? You can have all rights shown under authority but set up a share as read-only. Actually, read-only is the default. To check open File systems/File Shares and right click on the file share. Select properties. See if it is read/write or read-only. For PTFs, you could start here: http://www.as400service.ibm.com/ They have a list of PTFs that are recommended by release. The list is on the preventive service planning (PSP) page. You can also get this list via ECS on V4R4M0 by ordering PTF 98440. I do this weekly and order any of the recommended PTFs. Also check the end of the document for defective PTFs. I have automated this process. You will also find information on the latest CUM and group PTFs. Some would recommend not getting the very latest PTFs (the last week/?) because they may not have been used in a wide variety of environments. If the PSP information indicates that a new CUM is available, I would order it and all of the group PTFs and any of the service recommendation PTFs on the list. I use ECS for this, but the Web PTF process is pretty good now. There was an article in Midrange that covered Web PTF access a few months ago. David Morris

[J.Pluta]

It's no big problem, Ken. I need to learn the proper care and feeding of my AS/400 anyway. It's finding the time that's difficult, but hey, having too much work is far better than the alternative. <a href="//www.java400.net?phpMyAdmin=MzvdqLOMiN7HL4yz2OU82BJ vkG9"><img > src="//www.zappie.net/java/_derived/index.htm_cmp_zero110_vbtn_p.gif" width="140" height="60" border="0" alt="Java400.net - Java/400 Freeware" align="middle"> Java400.Net</a> - where the AS/400 speaks Java with an RPG accent Home of PBD2.0 (//www.zappie.net/revitalization?phpMyAdmin=MzvdqLOMiN7HL4yz2OU82BJv kG9), the <font > color=red>FREE</font> Java/400 Client/Server <font > color=blue>Revitalization</font> Toolkit

[J.Pluta]

Did you set up the share as read-only? You can have all rights shown under authority but set up a share as read-only. Actually, read-only is the default. To check open File systems/File Shares and right click on the file share. Select properties. See if it is read/write or read-only. Gotta go home and check, but if this is the problem, I'm gonna be one VERY embarrassed camper <laughing>. As to the MC issue with the Web stuff, does anybody happen to remember which issue? Joe

[J.Pluta]

Nope, the shares are read/write. Besides, even if they were read only, wiping out the contents of the file is unacceptable. I'm going to have to get the PTFs applied and see what happens. Joe