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Volume File Scan

The Volume File Scan display (6.3) performs complex searches of disk pack VTOCs. You do not need any access authority for individual data files.

The Volume File Scan function can also help locate almost any kind of data set by its characteristics. For example, to help locate all the load libraries on user packs that can contain unlicensed software; you could construct a batch job with a mask for the volume name and specify RECFM U DSORG PO for PDS data sets and RECFM U DSORG PO-E for PDSE data sets.

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Step

Description

W/P Ref

Finding

Remarks

1

Obtain the volume serial numbers of a sample of online disk packs using the Find Hardware Information display (1.2). Include representatives of all device types in your sample.

 

 

 

2

Analyze each pack using the Volume File Scan (6.3). Note any uncataloged files.

Select a sample of these files and use the Catalog File Scan (6.2) to find out if a cataloged copy exists. Determine the purpose, use, and function of the uncataloged copy.

 

 

 

3

Analyze the SYSRES volume using the Volume File Scan display (6.3). Note the creation and expiration dates of SYS1.NUCLEUS, SYS1.LOGREC, and the other system files that appear. Verify that this information agrees with data center records.

 

 

 

4

Note the number of extents recorded for each file that you reviewed in the previous step. Determine if any are close to exceeding the 16‑extent maximum for PDS data sets (120 for PDS/E) which can hang up the system.

Also, be aware that certain system files such as the logical Parmlib consist of concatenated PDS/PDSE data sets and as such are subject to a maximum extent limit of 120 DASD extents for the entire concatenation. For example, with the logical Parmlib, exceeding this limit could cause one or more libraries to be discarded or, worse yet, could cause the IPL to fail.

 

 

 

5

Determine if any of the files reviewed in Steps 1 through 4 were not accessed in the last six months. Files used so infrequently should be archived to tape to conserve expensive disk pack space.