Save files allow you to distribute fixes to other systems in your
network and therefore allow you to keep your 
systems
current
with the latest fixes.
A save file is a file that contains data in a form that is correct for transportation to another system. For software fixes (PTFs), a save file contains all the data needed to install (load and apply) the fix, or send it to other systems. In this case, the actions are performed against the save file for the fix, without requiring the original physical media on which the fix was originally delivered. If you want to distribute your fixes electronically, you must have the save files.
The Copy PTFs (CPYPTF) service attribute specifies
whether to copy PTF save files and cover letters into *SERVICE when PTFs are
loaded from a tape or optical device. PTF save files must be in *SERVICE when
distributing PTFs to other systems or when using the Save System Information
(SAVSYSINF) command. If you want to copy PTF save files and cover letters
when PTFs are loaded from media, use the Change Service Attributes (CHGSRVA)
command and specify CPYPTF(*YES).
If the CPYPTF service attribute is set to *NO, you can copy
all or selected PTFs for installed and supported products from a device into
PTF save files. You can use the Copy from Media function that is available
from iSeries™ Navigator or the Copy
Program Temporary Fix to Save File (QPZCPYSV) API. You must perform a copy
function for PTFs that are received on media; otherwise, you cannot send your
fixes to other systems.
Over time, save files and cover letters for fixes tend to accumulate.
By cleaning up your save files and cover letters, you can make room on your
system for other files. Consider deleting your save files after the fix has
been permanently applied, the system has been saved (SAVSYS), and you no longer
want to distribute the save file to another system. Use the Delete PTF (DLTPTF)
command or the Management Central cleanup function. For instructions, see Clean up fixes.