Loading Binary Host Files to VM/CMS (CMS for z/VM)

Host product corrections of the type Natload (INPL), Errlodus (Error Messages), Load and Source replacements, Csmload and Csfload (Construct modules and frames) are created in a format that does not lend itself to file transfer using PCs, so these files are loaded into Empower in a coded and compressed format.

Please note, that SNT11x is used instead of the current version/release (e.g. SNT112).

The steps below should be used to apply one of these fixes.

Obtain and Install the Decoding Program

  1. Order tape SNT11x VM/CMS from Software AG.

    This tape contains the following files:

    Name Function
    VMREADME DOC Readme file.
    SNTDECOD MODULE The decoding program.
    LSCRTL LOADLIB The C-transient library.
    SAGNET EXEC An EXEC to invoke the decoding program.

    The SNTDECOD module is installed on the mainframe and is used to convert the coded, decompressed file from Empower into a standard INPL file.

  2. Install the tape.

    Reserve a minidisk for Empower. In this example, we will access it as "b" and copy the tape to this disk with the following commands.

    Position the tape to the file SNT11x.TAPE: 

    TAPE FSF <fsf>

    If the sequence number of SNT11x.TAPE as shown on the REPORT OF TAPE CREATION is "n", you must position over 3n-2 tape marks (that is, FSF 1 for the first data set).

    Load the contents onto your minidisk:

    TAPE LOAD * * B

Download and Decode a Binary File

If you encounter a problem description in Empower which has a binary file as its attached solution, proceed as follows:

  1. Choose the download icon in order to download the solution file from the Empower server to your PC.

  2. Use a file transfer system which is available for your local PC to host connection to upload this file from your PC to your host.

    The file must be uploaded to the host in binary, untranslated mode.

    Use filel to verify that the uploaded file has RECFM F and LRECL 80.

    Note:
    Use F80 EXEC if RECFM not F or LRECL not 80.

  3. Run the SAGNET EXEC. You will be prompted for the name of the coded file. This EXEC assumes the following naming conventions for the files:

    <file-name> CODED * The coded file from Empower
    <file-name> HOST A The decoded output file.

Install the Correction

Install the correction as described in the problem document.

In most cases, this is an INPL file. You will need to run a standard batch Natural with the output file created by the SAGNET EXEC as input for CMWKF01 and STACK=INPL as a parameter.