Initialization Parameters › Initialization Parameter Descriptions › EXPDT

EXPDT

This parameter specifies the expiration date used for allocating a new tape data set.

The EXPDT and RETPD parameters are mutually exclusive. The parameter that was most recently entered (EXPDT or RETPD) takes precedence over the other. Specifying EXPDT causes RETPD to be set to spaces. If EXPDT and RETPD are specified together, EXPDT always takes precedence over RETPD and causes RETPD to be set to spaces.

Syntax:

EXPDT=yyddd
EXPDT=yyyyddd

Two forms of the expiration date are provided for compatibility with IBM expiration date specifications. Use of the yyyyddd form requires a level of the operating system that provides Year 2000 support. A comparable level of your tape management product may also be needed. The current allowable maximum year value for the long form of EXPDT is 2155. This is an IBM restriction.

Some tape management products apply special meaning to certain expiration date specifications. For example, many tape management products use an expiration date of 99000 to indicate catalog retention (retain the tape as long as it is catalogued). We recommend catalog retention, because all backup tapes are catalogued while under the control of CA View.

There is no default expiration date. The suggested value is 99000.

Important! Some tape management systems, such as CA 1 Tape Management (CA 1), have abend dispositions for tapes. Be sure that your tape management system defaults to the catalog on an abend. Failure to do this could result in loss of data. Refer to your tape management system documentation for complete documentation.