Save Storage (SAVSTG)

The Save Storage (SAVSTG) command saves a copy of the licensed internal code and the contents of auxiliary storage (except unused space and temporary objects) to tape. This function is intended for disaster recovery backup. Individual libraries or objects cannot be restored from a save storage tape.

This command issues the PWRDWNSYS (Power Down System) command with OPTION(*IMMED) and RESTART(*YES) specified. While the system is powered down, a dedicated service tool (DST) that saves all system storage is called. At that time, a standard labeled tape volume must be placed in the tape device. Additional volumes are requested as needed. Hardware data compression is used if it is supported by the tape device. After the save system storage function is complete, an initial program load (IPL) takes place.

During the IPL after a save storage operation, a completion message is sent to the system operator message queue. The save history information for the data area QSAVSTG in library QSYS is updated with the date and time when the system storage data was saved. To show the information in this data area, use the Display Object Description (DSPOBJD) command with DETAIL(*FULL).

The restore storage operation is done using the appropriate option on the DST menu. During the IPL, after a restore storage operation, a completion message is sent to the system operator message queue, and the last restore date and time history information in the QSAVSTG data area is updated with the current date and time. In addition, the data portion of the QSAVSTG data area is updated with the date of the save storage tape used in the restore system storage operation.

Note: Because media errors cause the save operation to start over from the last tape volume, use of this command is recommended for smaller systems only.

Restrictions:

You must have save system (*SAVSYS) special authority to run this command.
The system cannot be running any other jobs; run the End Subsystem (ENDSBS) specifying SBS(*ALL) or run the End System (ENDSYS) command to end all other jobs except the job running the SAVSTG command.
Tapes created using this command that will be used for installation should be initialized with a density that is supported by the current alternate IPL device. If this is not done, the current IPL tape will have to be changed to a tape device that supports the density of the created SAVSTG tapes before installation can begin.
Tapes created using the SAVSTG command should not be used for automatic installation.

Keyword	Description	Choices	Notes
DEV	Tape device	Name	Required, Positional 1
EXPDATE	File expiration date	Date, *PERM	Optional
CLEAR	Clear	NONE, ALL	Optional

Clear (CLEAR)

Specifies whether uncleared tapes encountered during the save operation are automatically cleared. An uncleared tape is one containing a file with an expiration date later than the date of the save operation, which includes files protected permanently using EXPDATE(*PERM).

Note: This parameter does not control initializing the tapes. The tapes used to perform the save operation should be initialized to a standard label format before the save command is issued. You can use the Initialize Tape (INZTAP) command and specify a value for the NEWVOL parameter to initialize a tape to a standard label format. If a tape volume that is not initialized is encountered during the save operation, an inquiry message is sent and an operator can initialize the tape volume.

*NONE: None of the uncleared tapes encountered during the save operation are automatically cleared. If the save operation cannot proceed because an uncleared tape is encountered, an inquiry message is sent to the operator, who is allowed to end the save operation or to specify that the selected tape be cleared so the operation can continue.
*ALL: All uncleared tapes encountered during the save operation are automatically cleared.

Examples

Example 1: Specifying Expiration Date

SAVSTG   DEV(TAP01)  EXPDATE(122290)  CLEAR(*ALL)

This command saves the system storage on the tape put on the TAP01 tape drive. Each uncleared tape is cleared automatically. The tape files written are protected and cannot be overwritten until December 22, 1990.

Example 2: Saving System Storage

SAVSTG   DEV(TAP02)

The system storage is saved on tape drive TAP02. CLEAR was not specified, so uncleared tapes encountered during the save operation cause an inquiry message to be sent to the operator, who either ends the save operation or specifies that the currently selected tape be cleared so the operation can continue. Because EXPDATE also was not specified, the tape files being written are protected permanently.