Save Files In IBM Libraries

[Guest.Visitor]

In my never-ending quest to free up disk space faster than our contractors/developers can fill it up, I noticed quite a bit of space used from save files in IBM libraries. Can they be cleared or deleted? In some of the save files I checked, all the objects are in the library. Is IBM guilty of forgetting to cleanup after themselves?

[Guest.Visitor]

You aren't going to like the answer: It depends on the save file. Files QMFnnnnn or Qsfnnnnn are to do with PTFs (this is also in the description) and once the PTF has been applied you can delete the SAVF. Otherwise, it depends on what the SAVF is storing. Easiest rule is: If it is in QGPL or QUSRSYS then probably, otherwise a definite NO. Method of removing: Move to another library first (or rename it). If you have no problems over the span of one full month and at least one IPL, then save it to tape and delete it. Reality: If you are running out of space, clearing out the SAVFs isn't the answer. You need to RGZPFM any PFs that have deleted records; delete any user JRNRCV that are no longer attached (save them first); ensure that the operational assistant is running and cleaning up system journals, MSGFs, spool storage etc; Clean up test libaries (does every contractor have a copy of full production data in his/her individual test library?); run a RCLSTG over a weekend; etc. Reality check number 2: If the preceeding have all been done and you are still running out of disk space, you may need to buy some more (terrible thought but sometimes the only solution). Anyway, I hope this helps. Russell

[Guest.Visitor]

Hi David, To add to Russell's reply: Files QMFnnnnn or Qsfnnnnn are to do with PTFs (this is also in the description). Those save files exist until you apply the PTF permanently. After the apply permanent they are automatically deleted. If you delete them before the apply permanent, you will not be able to apply the PTF permanently. Arbel

[GlenKerner]

Arbel, I have to disagree with you saying that the save file for a ptf is needed until it is perminantly applied. That means that the PTFs that are perminantely applied on my system shouldn't be perminant. I believe (and I remember reading it in one of the manuals just can't remember which one) that once the PTF is applied temporarily the save file is no longer needed. This may even be after the ptf is loaded that the save file is not needed. I do know when we apply a ptf that requires another ptf to be perminant and there is no save file the ptf is still applied perminant. Thinking logically, if you are right then we would have to load a cum tape 2 times in order to make the PTFs go to temporary then perminant. Or the PTFs would not be able to go to perminant (the cum tape has the PTFs as sav files too).

[Guest.Visitor]

Hello, I noticed when I deleted a PTF save file, the cover letter is still out there somewhere (within DSPPTF screen). Where is the cover letter information stored? Can I delete it? Thanks in advance, Aimee

[GlenKerner]

I don't know why you would want to delete the cover letter and I don't know how. If you are downloading PTFs from the internet you could always not include cover letters initially.

[Guest.Visitor]

Glen, I've noticed to the most part, all ptfs applied that have a save file also have a cover letter. I wasn't sure if the two somehow where linked since many of the PTF which do not have save files(and are applied), do not have a cover letter. ??? I just was curious. Thanks...

[Guest.Visitor]

Aimee, You should be able to find the cover letters in QGPL/QAPZCOVER as a member of this file. Bill

[GlenKerner]

Believe it or not there are PTFs that are only cover letters. IMHO cover letters are necessary to keep on the system even if is save to deleted them out of the file previously mentioned. There have been times where my access to the internet has been not available and I needed to get information about a particular ptf that was installed. This is where the cover letters being on the AS/400 came in real handy. Also remember some PTFs have cover letters other do not. Are you also conserned about the amount of disk space they maybe taking up?

[Guest.Visitor]

You can also use the command DLTPTF to remove the coverletters. In fact IBM actually recommends using the DLTPTF instead of the DLTF command on save files. Hope this helps.