RE: does anybody reads the cover letters before applying them?

Like Jim, I copy the *NotApy ones, but then read only the ones with special instructions. Over 95% of the time these simply say "Turn JVM off before applying." Occasionally, though, there are real important instructions; the 8305 Cume for V5R4, for example, said that a second IPL was necessary (not just the server firmware thing).

Anyway, yes, I read the special instructions. I, also, print and read the defective PTF's list; this time it kept me from applying a defect that might have taken down our modem, which isused to receive some of our orders. Sadly, I've even found a defect during the installation phase (delayed, installed during the next IPL), but Rochester got me through that one.

Jerry C. Adams
IBM System i Programmer/Analyst
B&W Wholesale
office: 615-995-7024
email: jerry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


-----Original Message-----
From: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Pascal Bellerose
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2009 1:47 PM
To: midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: does anybody reads the cover letters before applying them?

We had some problems with cumm 8183 that contained a series of PTF that
fixes format level identifiers for files having TIME or DATE fields.

This caused a lot of troubles because we create new databases each year
and all the databases use the same programs. So once the program is
compiled all the databases must have the same format level id or we get
a format level check error (CPF4131)

I suggested that we should read all PTF cover letters and make sure no
problems would be encountered again.

But It seems like a long shot and I'm not sure it could be done in time
to stay up to date with latest cumms.

First, I did not find a way to list the PTF that were added in the last
cumm. Because it is a cumulative update, the list IBM supplies is the
complete list of ptfs. Many were applied a long time ago.

So I ask, does anybody reads the cover letters? if so how do you manage
this?

Thanks!






Pascal Bellerose
Analyste-Programmeur / Analyst-Programmer
pascal_bellerose@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Réseau/Network: 2114
Cascades Canada inc.
412, Boul. Marie-Victorin
Kingsey-Falls, PQ, Canada
J0A 1B0
Maintenance des Logiciels Corporatifs Cascades / Cascades Corporate
Softwares Maintenance

Tél./Phone: 819-363-6114
Télécopie/Fax: 819-363-6155