Fix groups
A PTF group or fix group is a name that is used to order and manage a group of logically related PTFs.
A PTF group or fix group consists of a list of PTFs that are defined for the purpose of managing those PTFs as one entity. A PTF group can identify other PTF groups called related PTF groups. A related fix group is a fix group that is listed in another fix group. The fixes in the fix group as well as the fixes in all related fix groups are used to determine the overall status of the fix group.
IBM creates and maintains a set of PTF groups for certain functions on the system. PTF groups are available for each supported i5/OS® release and are updated periodically. For a complete listing of PTF groups, see the preventive service planning information at the Support for System i Web site.
In iSeries Navigator, you can perform these tasks for fix groups: send, send and install, or install. When you select a fix group to send and install, the fixes from all related fix groups are also sent and installed.
The cumulative PTF package is shown as a PTF group on the display...
Work with PTF Groups (WRKPTFGRP)...and in the Management Central fix group inventory. The cumulative PTF package is identified as a PTF group named in the format...
SF99vrm...where vrm stands for version, release, and modification of the operating system.
The Management Central functions of sending fixes, sending and installing fixes, and installing fixes are not supported for the cumulative fix group.
Even though the Compare and Update wizard does not prevent you from comparing and updating fixes on systems at different cumulative levels, the wizard does not handle fix groups. IBM recommends that your systems be at the same level of the cumulative PTF package before using the Compare and Update function.
Order the latest level of the cumulative PTF package for the release of the operating system that is installed on the system by using Fix Central or SNDPTFORD *CUMPKG from each endpoint system.
Select...
GO PTF option 8 (Install program temporary fix package)...or the command...
Install PTF (INSPTF)...to install the cumulative PTF package and maintain the correct PTF group information for the cumulative PTF package. Then use the Compare and Update wizard to work with a smaller number of differences. By following this recommendation, you ensure that the special instructions that accompany the cumulative PTF package are followed.
For information about the tasks that you can perform with PTF groups, see the following items:
- Order PTF groups
- Manage PTF groups
- Work with PTF Groups (WRKPTFGRP)
- Copy PTF Group (CPYPTFGRP)
- Fix group function available from iSeries Navigator
- Display properties for fix groups
Use iSeries Navigator to display properties for fixes and fix groups.
- Create PTF groups
Create PTF Group (QpzCreatePtfGroup) API.
Parent topic:
Types of fixes