Obtaining and installing PTFs

 

Obtain the latest PTFs and service packs for your system to avoid unnecessary service calls and create a more stable operating environment.

Fixes for iSeries™ Access for Windows® are integrated into service packs, which are packaged into a program temporary fix (PTF) for delivery. You can download the latest PTF to your System i™ platform to provide a more stable operating environment for the iSeries Access for Windows client, and to correct known problems. Once you have installed the PTF on your host system, you can use the When to check service level function to distribute service packs to client PCs.

Service pack PTFs update the iSeries Access for Windows installation image on the System i platform. All installations reflect the latest service pack level of the host System i platform.

Only users with administrator authority can perform installations, service pack updates, and upgrades to new releases, however, you can allow your users to access scheduled tasks remotely without administrator privileges.

 

Obtain the latest PTF for installation on your System i platform

Use the send PTF order (SNDPTFORD) command to order the PTF for your System i platform. Since the service pack PTFs generally exceed the size limit to be sent electronically, you can receive the PTF on media by changing the Delivery Method, DELIVERY, parameter on SNDPTFORD to *ANY. (The parameter defaults to *LINKONLY.) Alternatively, use Fix Central.

You can also order a service pack CD electronically, and place it directly in the integrated file system in a Virtual Optical Device from which you can install. To use this option, prearrange it with IBM® Service.

To learn more about PTF ordering options, see IBM System i5™ support (http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/iseries/index.html) and select Fixes under Popular links.

 

Parent topic:

Setting up the system for iSeries Access for Windows

 

Parent topic:

Installing service packs

Related concepts
When to check service level function