The installation will either force compliance with the documented syntax rules for data set names that are to be cataloged, or it will allow names to be created that violate these rules. Data set names that violate the syntax rules will result in a failed catalog request. The default setting enables validity checking. If you have programs that must create names that do not meet the syntax rules, you can disable validity checking. However, IBM® utilities may not be able to remove these entries from the catalog.

To enable or disable data set name syntax checking, use the ENABLE(DSNCHECK) or DISABLE(DSNCHECK) parameters on MODIFY CATALOG. See MODIFY CATALOG Command Syntax.