Question & Answer
Question
General tips and guidelines for installing PTF groups and cumulative.
Answer
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Review the cume instructions before installing any PTFs. If downloading the cumulative PTF as save files, it is recommended to review the cumulative instructions before downloading the fixes.
- Cumulative instructions can be found at the Preventative Service Planning (PSP) website. Select the appropriate IBM i release and view the SF99VRM PSP for the IBM i release installed. For instance, if running IBM i R740, then review document SF99740. Roadmap to IBM i Preventative Service Planning Documentation https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/roadmap-ibm-i-preventive-service-planning-documentation |
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Only process one GO PTF Option 8 command per IPL. For example, if you have multiple volume sets on physical media, use the 'Prompt for media' value of 2 or 3 from the "Install Options for Program Temporary Fixes" screen to load all PTFs from all volume sets. Do not perform a GO PTF Option 8 for each volume set without an IPL in between. |
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When using an image catalog for PTF installation, add all images for all groups into one image catalog. |
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When ordering a cumulative or group package, it is recommended to use images or physical media rather than downloading as SAVFs. A stable network connection to the IBM i is necessary when ordering PTFs as save files to your system. If there are drops or disconnects during the SAVF transfer, the disconnects can cause incomplete SAVFs to reside on your system, and your PTF installation fails. If disconnects occurs, manual cleanup of the incomplete SAVFs is needed, and the missing PTFs must be downloaded again. |
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In a stable environment, recommend installing the most recent cumulative PTF package twice a year.
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Consider installing the most recent cumulative PTF package before making major changes to your system (hardware or software).
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Notes:
| 1. | When multiple GO PTF Option 8 commands or INSPTF commands are done to load PTFs from multiple volumes sets or image catalogs, the files used for DSPPTF output can become out of sync with the PTF index. If the PTF status appears incorrect, contact your next level of support for assistance. |
| 2. | The order of installing groups or cumulative first is not relevant when all images are kept in one image catalog or if 'prompt for media' is 2 or 3 when using physical media. A general practice is to start with the group PTFs. |
| 3. | Follow the cumulative instructions. These instructions list PTFs that need to be addressed before the cumulative is loaded on the system, as well as how to install the cumulative and group PTFs. |
Helpful resources:
Roadmap to IBM i Preventative Service Planning Documentation:
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/roadmap-ibm-i-preventive-service-planning-documentation
Planning your fix management strategy:
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.4?topic=fixes-planning-your-fix-management-strategy
Installing fixes:
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.4?topic=fixes-installing
Where to find information about fixes:
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.4?topic=terms-where-find-information-about-fixes
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.4?topic=terms-where-find-information-about-fixes
Installing cumulative PTF packages:
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Document Information
Modified date:
21 July 2022
UID
nas8N1020152