Fix save files

Save files allow you to distribute IBM® i fixes to other systems in your network and therefore allow you to keep your systems current with the latest fixes.

A save file is a file that contains data in a form that is correct for transportation to another system. For software fixes (PTFs), a save file contains all the data needed to install (load and apply) the fix, or send it to other systems. In this case, the actions are performed against the save file for the fix, without requiring the original physical media on which the fix was originally delivered. If you want to distribute your fixes electronically, you must have the save files.

The Copy PTFs (CPYPTF) service attribute specifies whether to copy PTF save files and cover letters into *SERVICE when PTFs are loaded from a tape or optical device. PTF save files must be in *SERVICE when distributing PTFs to other systems or when using the Save System Information (SAVSYSINF) command. If you want to copy PTF save files and cover letters when PTFs are loaded from media, use the Change Service Attributes (CHGSRVA) command and specify CPYPTF(*YES).

If the CPYPTF service attribute is set to *NO, you can copy all or selected PTFs for installed and supported products from a device into PTF save files. You can use the Copy from Media function that is available from System i® Navigator or the Copy Program Temporary Fix to Save File (QPZCPYSV) API, or the Copy PTFs (CPYPTF) command. You must perform a copy function for PTFs that are received on media; otherwise, you cannot send your fixes to other systems.

Over time, save files and cover letters for fixes tend to accumulate. By cleaning up your save files and cover letters, you can make room on your system for other files. Consider deleting your save files after the fix has been permanently applied, the system has been saved (SAVSYS), and you no longer want to distribute the save file to another system. Use the Delete PTF (DLTPTF) command or the Management Central cleanup function. For instructions, see Cleaning up fixes.