Worst case scenario--Opinions wanted

[daparnin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

I'm looking for opinions (and I think I've come to the right place <g>)

I'm all ready to upgrade my home 9402-200 from V3R1 to V3R2.  I've got the
V3R2 tapes and a couple of full backups (GO SAVE, 21).  The only problem is
that the instructions say that V3R1 PTF (LICPGM 5763SS1 select SF30711)
needs to be applied first.  (It's been speculated that it's probably the
PTF that expanded the size of the LIC to accommodate the larger V3R2 OS.)
I've asked around to see if anyone still had this tape but have come up
empty.  As I see it I've got a couple of options:

1.  Ignore the documentation, throw caution to the wind, ignore the PTF,
and proceed boldly with the V3R2 install
2.  or, as one person suggested:  Do a scratch install of the V3R2 LIC and
OS.  Then, just restore everything piecemeal.  (I'm told that "Worse that
can happen is a *backlevel on QGPL and/or QUSRSYS.  If this happens it's
supposed to be 'easy to fix' ")
3.  Try option #1 and if it has problems start over with option #2
4.  Throw the system in the trash and admit defeat  (Never!!!)  <g>
5.  Forget this and do some painting around the house like my wife wants me
to do anyway

Significant situational facts:
The system currently has RPG, COBOL, Query, PDM, etc. installed.  I don't
have the original installation media or any product license keys (it has
been speculated that they weren't around at these OS levels) and I don't
want to loose them.

I've done OS upgrades before (it's been awhile).  I've pretty much followed
the documentation with no creativity involved.  I have never done a scratch
install, loaded LIC, or fixed backlevel problems.

What would you do and how would you do it?

Dave Parnin
Nishikawa Standard Company
Topeka, IN  46571
daparnin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx