IBM i

7.2

Basic system operations

IBM
 Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, read the information in “Notices” on page
71.

© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1998, 2014.

US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract with
IBM Corp.
Contents

Basic system operations........................................................................................ 1

PDF file for Basic system operations........................................................................................................... 1
Overview of basic system operations.......................................................................................................... 2
Using system interfaces......................................................................................................................... 2
Working with devices..............................................................................................................................3
Working with printer output................................................................................................................... 4
Managing printer output................................................................................................................... 4
Starting printers................................................................................................................................ 5
Starting a printer from System i Navigator....................................................................................... 5
Working with storage..............................................................................................................................5
Working with the control panel.............................................................................................................. 6
Control panel concepts..................................................................................................................... 6
Types of control panels............................................................................................................... 6
Control panel functions............................................................................................................... 8
Control panel buttons, lights, and indicators........................................................................... 12
Setting up your control panel......................................................................................................... 14
Accessing control panel functions................................................................................................. 15
Instructions and descriptions for control panel functions............................................................ 17
Normal control panel functions................................................................................................ 17
Extended control panel functions.............................................................................................24
Low-level debug panel functions 57 through 70......................................................................26
Using remote control panel APIs................................................................................................... 27
System power and test APIs..................................................................................................... 28
IPL-related APIs........................................................................................................................ 29
Other system function APIs...................................................................................................... 33
APIs that check the system status........................................................................................... 34
Starting and stopping the system..............................................................................................................37
Starting the system.............................................................................................................................. 37
Starting the system without making configuration changes (unattended IPL).............................37
Changing the system during IPL (attended IPL)............................................................................ 38
Attended IPL displays............................................................................................................... 39
Changing your system IPL from the control panel.........................................................................41
IPL type......................................................................................................................................42
Operating mode of an IPL......................................................................................................... 43
Changing operating modes and IPL types................................................................................ 44
Changing system values during IPL.......................................................................................... 44
Changing the IPL startup program................................................................................................. 45
Source for CL startup program..................................................................................................45
Startup program to set the (QSTRUPPGM) system value........................................................ 46
Scheduling a system shutdown and restart................................................................................... 47
Displaying the power-on and power-off schedule................................................................... 47
Changing power-on and power-off schedule defaults............................................................. 47
Changing the power-on and power-off schedule for a single event........................................ 48
Solving problems with the automatic power schedule............................................................ 48
Causes of abnormal IPLs................................................................................................................ 49
Signing on to the system...................................................................................................................... 49
Signing on to the system using System i Navigator....................................................................... 49
Signing on to the system using the character-based interface..................................................... 49
Changing your password.................................................................................................................50
Changing the system password................................................................................................ 50
Bypassing the system password...............................................................................................51

iii
 Stopping the system.............................................................................................................................51
Turning off the system immediately...............................................................................................53
Using the Power button.................................................................................................................. 54
System values that control IPL............................................................................................................ 54
IBM i concepts........................................................................................................................................... 57
Messages.............................................................................................................................................. 58
IBM i commands...................................................................................................................................58
Security and user authority.................................................................................................................. 60
Authority to access objects............................................................................................................ 60
Security levels................................................................................................................................. 61
User profiles.................................................................................................................................... 61
Authorization lists........................................................................................................................... 62
Files and file systems........................................................................................................................... 62
IBM i restricted state............................................................................................................................63
Jobs...................................................................................................................................................... 64
Subsystems, job queues, and memory pools...................................................................................... 65
Objects..................................................................................................................................................66
Logs and journals..................................................................................................................................66
Software fixes....................................................................................................................................... 67
Printing the system configuration list........................................................................................................67
Analyzing and reporting system problems................................................................................................68
Related information for basic system operations..................................................................................... 69

Notices................................................................................................................71
Programming interface information.......................................................................................................... 72
Trademarks................................................................................................................................................ 72
Terms and conditions.................................................................................................................................73

Terms and conditions...........................................................................................75

iv
Basic system operations
Many of the functions and features of the IBM® i platform are specific to IBM and the IBM i operating
system, and might not be familiar to you. This information introduces some of the key concepts and basic
system operation tasks, such as using system interfaces; working with devices, printer output, and the
control panel; and turning on or turning off the system.
Many of these topics provide an introduction and example, and then suggest further resources for more
detailed or advanced information.
Note: By using the code examples, you agree to the terms of the “Code license and disclaimer
information” on page 69.

PDF file for Basic system operations

You can view and print a PDF file of this information.
To view or download the PDF version of this document, select Basic system operations (about 565 KB).
You can view or download this related topic collection:
• Storage solutions (177 KB) contains the following topics:
– Objects
– Disks
– Tapes
– Optical
– Storage area networks

Saving PDF files

To save a PDF on your workstation for viewing or printing:
1. Right-click the PDF link in your browser.
2. Click the option that saves the PDF locally.
3. Navigate to the directory in which you want to save the PDF.
4. Click Save.

Downloading Adobe Reader

You need Adobe Reader installed on your system to view or print these PDFs. You can download a free
copy from the Adobe Web site (www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html) .
Related reference
Related information for basic system operations

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1998, 2014 1

 IBM Redbooks publications and other information center topic collections contain information that relates
to the Basic system operations topic collection. You can view or print any of the PDF files.

Overview of basic system operations

The IBM i platform is built to require only minimal effort to keep it running reliably, and most of the routine
operations are performed quickly and easily when you are familiar with them. Use this information to get
to know about some of the common system tasks.

Using system interfaces

Depending on the type of connection to the system and the task you need to perform, several options are
available for system interfaces. You can access and use your system by the System i® Navigator interface,
by the character-based interface, and by wireless clients.
You can access the system from character-based interfaces on an attached console or emulator session
and from the graphical user interface in System i Navigator. The interface you need to use depends on
your connection type to the system and the task you need to perform. This topic describes how to access
the system from the character-based interface and discusses some functions of this access method.

Character-based interface
The character-based interface, available from most emulator sessions or consoles, might seem unfamiliar
to people without any experience in the IBM i operating system.
The character-based interface is available from most consoles and emulator sessions connected to a
system, and provides more functions than any other interface. While this type of interface might be
unfamiliar at first, it includes several methods for helping new users, and a menu-based hierarchy of tasks
to make finding specific functions simple.
The character-based interface includes three primary displays: navigational, input, and informational.
The navigational display typically consists of a list of menu options and a command line. You can use
this display to find information or tasks on the operating system, and to enter control language (CL)
commands. Input displays are available when the operating system requires information from you. Use
this display to enter or change information. Informational displays provide system information and do not
allow any interaction.

Finding functions or tasks

All system tasks are organized into categories accessible through the main menu. You can enter menu
selections to move through this hierarchy until you find the task you are looking for. Different users might
have different menu options available to them, depending on the security strategy and on the restrictions
set by the system administrator and the active user profile. When you have found a menu option you
need to use, you can enter commands at the Selection or Command prompt located at the bottom of the
display. Many menu displays have a name listed in the top-left corner of the display. You can use the GO
command followed by the name of the menu to access the menu display. For example, GO JOB instructs
the operating system to display the Jobs menu.

2 IBM i: Basic system operations

 Getting help
The character-based interface provides several methods for assisting users. First, online help is available
for many displays by pressing the help or F1 key. You can often get help with a particular field or item
by placing your cursor on it and then pressing the help or F1 key. When you are entering data, you can
also get help by entering a ? in a data field. Finally, the amount and type of information displayed on the
display can be controlled by changing the assistance level. The assistance level determines what version
of a display you see. Many system displays have two different versions:
• A basic assistance level version, which contains less information and does not use technical
terminology.
• An intermediate-assistance level version, which shows more information and uses technical terms.
Some fields or functions are available only on a particular version of a display. The instructions tell you
which version to use. To change from one assistance level to another, use F21 (Select assistance level).
F21 is not available from all displays.
Related concepts
IBM i commands
The operating system uses control language (CL) commands to interpret instructions from users. You
need to know the basic rules for using CL, and how to get detailed help for any CL command.

Working with devices

Most of the peripheral equipment attached to the IBM i platform is considered a device. Every device in
the system has a current status. From System i Navigator, you can work with devices.
A device is a piece of equipment that is connected to your system. Most hardware, including internal
processors, ports and adapters, drives, communications hardware, workstations, and printers, are
considered devices. The operating system organizes these devices by their type, such as workstation
or optical drive, and identifies specific devices by their resource name. For most internal devices, like
processors, adapters, and ports, the operating system automatically assigns the resource name. For most
external devices and some internal storage devices, the IBM i platform manages communication with
the device through a device controller. Most devices managed through a controller have resource names
defined by their device description. You can use the device type to learn its resource name, physical
location, current status, and other information.
Every device in the system has a current status that describes whether it is turned on, and whether
it is currently communicating with the system. Before a device can function, both this device and all
devices connecting it to the system must be varied on (operational) and functioning. For example, if a

Basic system operations 3

 communication line or network adapter is varied off, any device attached to the system through those
devices cannot function.
Most devices have the following possible types of status.

Table 1. Possible types of status for most devices

Status Description
Varied off The operating system has disabled the device, and it must be varied on again before
communicating with the system.
Varied on The operating system has enabled communications with the device, and is waiting for
(Operation communications.
al)
Pending The operating system is attempting to enable communications with the device.
Active The device is currently busy communicating with the system, and cannot be varied off.

Other types of status are possible for some specific device types, or to indicate a specific problem. For
example, a workstation that is waiting for a user to sign on will have a status of Signon display, and a
device that the operating system is unable to locate will have a status of Resource not detected.

Viewing and managing devices

On System i Navigator, you can display the current status, physical location, and configuration information
for devices. To work with devices in System i Navigator, expand Configuration and Service and select
Hardware. To display detailed information about the device, including its model, type and serial number,
physical location in the system, and logical address, right-click the device and select Properties.
Additionally, System i Navigator provides many functions for managing tape devices, disk units, and pools.
See the online help in System i Navigator for more information.
To change the status or properties of a device, you must use the character-based interface and type go
device from any command line.
Related information
Local Device Configuration PDF

Working with printer output

Many jobs on the IBM i operating system result in printer output. You can find, track, and manage printer
output across the system.
Many jobs generate output that requires printing. The operating system handles this by creating spooled
files that contain the document data and processing instructions for the print job. After creating the
spooled files, the operating system sends them to an output queue. Similar to a job queue, output queues
hold many spooled files until a printer becomes available. The output queue that the operating system
sends the spooled file to varies according to the job attributes, user profile, and workstation settings.
Before any of the spooled files can be printed, a printer device must be varied on, and a print writer
started. The print writer is an IBM i function that runs for each active printer on the system. When started,
the print writer watches the specified output queue (or queues) and sends the spooled files to its printer.
Related concepts
Basic printing

Managing printer output

From System i Navigator, you can find and manage printer output from two locations: basic operations
and work management.

4 IBM i: Basic system operations

 • To see a list of spooled files waiting specifically for printing, expand Basic Operations, and then click
Printer Output.
This displays all spooled files associated with the current user.
Right-click a spooled file to hold, release, move, or delete the print job, or convert it to a PDF.
Additionally, you can select Properties to change many of the spooled file attributes.
• To work with other print jobs, select View > Customize this view > Include from the System i
Navigator menu.
• To see a list of all output queues, expand Work Management, and then click Output queues.
This will display all output queues for all users. An output queue is an object that contains a list of
spooled files to be written to an output device, such as a printer.
Select any output queue to display the list of spooled files for that queue.

Starting printers
From the command-line interface, you can start a printer.
Before you start the printer, verify the following conditions:
• The printer is turned on and ready.
• The printer or print method has been configured in the operating system.
To start a printer from the command-line interface, follow these steps:
1. Vary on the printer.
a) Enter WRKCFGSTS *DEV *PRT command.
The Work with Configuration Status display shows a list of devices.
b) Enter a 1 next to the printer device description to vary on the printer.
2. Use the Start Print Writer (STRPRTWTR) command to start the print writer, and specify the printer and
output queue (or queues) that the writer will service.

Starting a printer from System i Navigator

From System i Navigator, you can start a printer.
To start a printer from System i Navigator, follow these steps:
1. From System i Navigator, select your system. Expand Basic Operations, and click Printers.
2. If the status of the printer (shown in the right pane) is Unavailable, right-click the printer and click
Make Available.
3. Right-click the printer and click Start.

Working with storage

The system offers a wide variety of options for storing system data. Internally, the system includes disk
units that can be distributed across several expansion units (also known as towers). Additionally, many
options are available for working with removable media, such as tapes and optical devices.
As a system operator, you might need to work with disk units and track their use across your business.
Removable storage devices are frequently used for backing up the system and archiving data.
Related concepts
Storage solutions

Basic system operations 5

Working with the control panel
The control panel is the initial interface on your system. With the system control panel, you can determine
processor activity, read error codes to help determine component failure analysis, turn the system on and
off, and change initial program load (IPL) characteristics.
From the control panel, you can process the following system functions:
• Determine processor activity
• Display and get attributes or error codes to analyze problems
• Perform an IPL
• Turn on or off the system
You can use the physical control panel on the system or a remote control panel to perform these
operations. It might be helpful to you if you set up the virtual control panel or the remote control
panel. You can access control panel functions and use APIs to operate your remote control panel with a
user-written program.
Notes:
• If you have a partitioned system, only the primary partition can access the control panel. All secondary
partitions use the remote control panel through the primary partition.
• The information in this topic pertains only to models 8xx and earlier. For all other models, refer to the
Managing the control panel functions topic collection in the IBM Systems Hardware Information Center
for more information.

Control panel concepts

This information explains the differences between the control panel options: the virtual control panel, the
remote control panel, and the physical control panel. It also provides details about the functions that the
control panel can perform.

Types of control panels

Control panels include the virtual control panel, the remote control panel, and the physical control panel.
You can use these control panels to perform almost all of the same functions. The remote control panel
and virtual control panel provide a way to perform control panel functions from a PC.

Physical control panel

The physical control panel is your initial interface with the system. You can use the physical control panel
to perform functions, such as performing an initial program load (IPL) and turning on and turning off
the system. Control panel functions range in complexity from functions that display status (such as IPL
speed) to low-level service functions that only service representatives can access.
Note: If the system has multiple partitions, some secondary partitions might not start if they have been
set to a status of hold.
Related concepts
Control panel buttons, lights, and indicators
These figures illustrate the interface for each of the control panels, including the buttons, lights, and
indicators. The interface for the virtual control panel and remote control panel are identical.
Related tasks
Restarting and powering down a system with logical partitions
Accessing control panel functions

6 IBM i: Basic system operations

To access the control panel functions, follow these instructions, which apply to all three kinds of control
panels.

Remote control panel

The remote control panel provides a way to use control panel functions through a PC. The graphical user
interface of the remote control panel looks similar to the physical control panel.
The remote control panel has the following characteristics:
• The remote control panel is installed through Operations Console.
• A directly attached remote control panel is not supported, but you can use the remote control panel
with a LAN-connected console. The use of virtual control panel is supported.
• You can use the interface of the remote control panel to restart and turn off the system. However, a
LAN-connected remote control panel or the virtual control panel cannot turn on the system unless it is
connected to the primary partition of an 8xx or earlier model and the primary partition is still active. You
can use the remote control panel to perform most of the same functions as the physical control panel.
• You can use remote control panel APIs to automate control of the remote control panel through a
user-created program.
• If your system uses a keystick, the Mode button works with the same functions as the physical control
panel, depending on whether the keystick is inserted.
Related concepts
Setting up your control panel
Both the remote control panel and the virtual control panel are set up through an Operations Console
configuration. You need to install Operations Console and configure a remote control panel or a virtual
control panel to use control panel functions.
Control panel buttons, lights, and indicators
These figures illustrate the interface for each of the control panels, including the buttons, lights, and
indicators. The interface for the virtual control panel and remote control panel are identical.
Related tasks
Accessing control panel functions
To access the control panel functions, follow these instructions, which apply to all three kinds of control
panels.

Virtual control panel

With the virtual control panel, you can use control panel functions through a PC.
The graphical user interface for the virtual control panel is identical to the user interface of the remote
control panel. Also, the virtual control panel can perform most of the same functions as the remote
control panel. If your system uses a keystick, the Mode button works with the same functions as the
physical control panel, depending on whether the keystick is inserted.
Unlike the remote control panel, the virtual control panel cannot turn on the system. As an alternative,
if you need to turn on the system at a later time, you can use the IPL scheduling function in Operational
Assistant by pressing the Attention key. You can also use the GO POWER command and select option 2
(Change turn on and off schedule).

Considerations for the virtual control panel

If you use the virtual control panel, be aware of the following considerations:
• The virtual control panel must have a direct connection to the system from Operations Console using
the serial console cable.
• The virtual control panel is only available while the Operations Console is connected.
• You cannot use the virtual control panel remotely through a dial-up connection.
• You must meet several prerequisites when installing the virtual control panel, such as a program
temporary fix (PTF) for the server and service packs for the client.

Basic system operations 7

 • If the PC has a parallel cable connection for a remote control panel, you must remove it before you can
install and use your virtual control panel.
• A unique service tools device profile must exist for each virtual control panel connection.
• You cannot use an existing network name.
• More than one virtual control panel and remote control panel can be active at the same time.
• To use the mode function provided by the virtual control panel, the service tools user ID that is used to
authenticate the connection must have the key privilege of partition remote panel. To verify that your
service tools user ID has this privilege, see Changing the functional privileges for a service tools user ID
using SST.

How to choose between the virtual control panel and remote control panel
The following table shows which server models are recommended for the virtual control panel and which
models are recommended for the remote control panel.

Virtual control panel Remote control panel

270 170
800 250
810 6xx
820 7xx
825 Sxx
830
840
870
890

Related concepts
Control panel buttons, lights, and indicators
These figures illustrate the interface for each of the control panels, including the buttons, lights, and
indicators. The interface for the virtual control panel and remote control panel are identical.
Related tasks
Accessing control panel functions
To access the control panel functions, follow these instructions, which apply to all three kinds of control
panels.
Related information
Operations Console Web site

Control panel functions

There are few functional differences among these control panels. The main difference is that the physical
control panel and the remote control panel, when cabled directly to the system, can turn on the system.
The virtual control panel and the remote control panel, if connected through a LAN, cannot turn on the
system.
Notes:
1. Some control panel functions might not be available on all system types.
2. The x can be any number 0 through 9, any letter A through F, or a blank.
3. If you have selected a function, find the selected function in the table and verify that you have
completed the correct function.
4. If you cannot change the Function/Data display or complete the selected function, contact your
service provider.
The following table lists the codes and descriptions for each of the control panel functions and whether
each type of the control panel supports these functions.

8 IBM i: Basic system operations

Table 2. Control panel (32-character) function codes
Function code Remote control panel Virtual control panel Function description
code function?
01 01 Yes 1. Display the currently
selected initial
program load (IPL)
type (and logical
key mode on some
system types).
2. Display the currently
selected IPL speed
override for the next
IPL.

02 02 Yes Select the IPL type,

logical key mode, and
IPL speed.
03 03 Yes Start an IPL to load the
system. The IPL uses
the selected IPL options.
04 04 Yes Lamp test all displays
and indicators are
switched on.
05 05 No System power control
network (SPCN) system
reference code (SRC).
Display an SRC on the
control panel.
07 Not applicable Not applicable Allow you to perform
SPCN service functions.
08 08 Yes Fast turn off. To perform
a fast turn off, see
Stopping the system.
09 through 10 Not applicable Not applicable Reserved.
11 through 19 11 through 19 Yes System reference code
(SRC) displays an SRC
on the control panel.
20 20 Yes Display the machine
type, model, processor
feature code, processor
class indicator, and IPL
path description.
21 21 Yes Cause the Use
Dedicated Service Tool
(DST) display to appear
on the system console.
To exit DST, select
the Resume operating
system display option.

Basic system operations 9

 Table 2. Control panel (32-character) function codes (continued)
Function code Remote control panel Virtual control panel Function description
code function?
22 22 Yes Force system main
storage dump.
23 Not applicable Not applicable Reserved.
24 Not applicable Not applicable Reserved.
25 25 Yes Use Service switches
1 and 2 to enable
or disable functions 50
through 70.
26 26 Yes Use Service switches
1 and 2 to enable
or disable functions 50
through 70.
27 through 32 Not applicable Not applicable Reserved.
33 33 Yes Reorder SPCN
addressing.
34 34 Yes Retry main storage
dump (MSD) IPL.
35 through 49 Not applicable Not applicable Reserved.
50 Not applicable Not applicable System processing unit
stop.
51 Not applicable Not applicable System processing unit
status displays the
following values: B0
register contents, Next
Instruction Address
(NIA), and current Task
Dispatching Element
(TDE) contents.
52 Not applicable Not applicable System processing unit
start.
53 53 No Unconfigure an
intermittently failing
processor (Repeat GARD
function).
54 through 56 Not applicable Not applicable Reserved.
57 Not applicable Not applicable Display area addresses
for system data.
58 Not applicable Not applicable Set the first character of
the base address for the
function 62 display.

10 IBM i: Basic system operations

Table 2. Control panel (32-character) function codes (continued)
Function code Remote control panel Virtual control panel Function description
code function?
59 Not applicable Not applicable Set the second
character of the base
address for the function
62 display.
60 Not applicable Not applicable Set the third character
of base address for
function 62 display.
61 Not applicable Not applicable Set the fourth character
of base address for
function 62 display.
62 Not applicable Not applicable Display service
processor storage.
63 Not applicable Not applicable System status SRC
trace.
64 Not applicable Not applicable Service processor
diagnostic status SRC
trace.
65 65 Yes Deactivate remote
service.
66 66 Yes Activate remote service.
67 67 Yes Disk unit IOP reset/
reload is enabled only by
specific disk unit SRCs.
68 68 Yes Concurrent maintenance
power domain Power
Off.
69 69 Yes Concurrent maintenance
power domain Power
On.
70 70 No Dump service processor
control storage.
Power button Power button in Power button in OFF
graphical interface for graphical interface for Delayed turn off.
powering on and off the powering off the system
ON
system. (LAN-connected only.
Immediate power
remote control panels
on.
cannot turn on the
system.)
Keystick See note. See note. IPL keylock - Manual,
Auto, Normal, Secure.
Attention light Graphical attention light Yes Attention state LED.
Power indicator Power indicator in Power indicator in Lit when power is fully
graphical interface graphical interface operational.

Basic system operations 11

 Note: The remote control panel and virtual control panel recognize the presence of a keystick. If your
system uses a keystick, the Mode button works with the same functions as the physical control panel,
depending on whether the keystick is inserted. LAN-connected remote control panels need special
authority to use the Mode button.
If you cannot find the function code in the previous table, the support for added features or devices might
not have been available when this information was produced. Look for any supplemental unit function
code information for the function code you displayed on the control panel.
Related concepts
Instructions and descriptions for control panel functions
Control panel functions can be classified into three categories: normal functions, extended functions, and
low-level debug functions. The remote control panel and virtual control panel can perform most of these
functions. The physical control panel can perform all of them.

Control panel buttons, lights, and indicators

These figures illustrate the interface for each of the control panels, including the buttons, lights, and
indicators. The interface for the virtual control panel and remote control panel are identical.
The figures show the following kinds of control panels:
• The remote control panel or virtual control panel.
• A physical control panel without a keystick.
• A physical control panel with a keystick.

Remote control panel and virtual control panel

(A) Function/Data display

(B) Increment and Decrement buttons
(C) Turn on indicator
(D) Power button
(E) System Attention light

12 IBM i: Basic system operations

(F) Enter button
(G) Mode button

Physical control panel without a keystick

(A) Power On Light

• A blinking light indicates power to the unit.
• A constant light indicates that the unit is up and
is working.

(B) Power button

(C) Processor Activity
(D) System Attention
(E) Function/Data Display
(F) Increment and Decrement buttons
(G) Enter button

Physical control panel with a keystick

A keystick gives the operator security control over the control panel functions and control over data that is
accessible from the control panel. The keystick for the electronic keylock activates the Mode button.

Basic system operations 13

 (A) Power On Light
• A blinking light indicates power to the unit.
• A constant light indicates that the unit is up and
is working.

(B) Power button

(C) Processor Activity
(D) System Attention
(E) Function/Data Display
(F) Increment and Decrement buttons
(G) Enter button
(H) Mode button
(J) Electronic Keystick Slot
(K) Secure
(L) Auto
(M) Normal
(N) Manual

Related concepts
Physical control panel
The physical control panel is your initial interface with the system. You can use the physical control panel
to perform functions, such as performing an initial program load (IPL) and turning on and turning off
the system. Control panel functions range in complexity from functions that display status (such as IPL
speed) to low-level service functions that only service representatives can access.
Remote control panel
The remote control panel provides a way to use control panel functions through a PC. The graphical user
interface of the remote control panel looks similar to the physical control panel.
Virtual control panel
With the virtual control panel, you can use control panel functions through a PC.
Related tasks
Accessing control panel functions
To access the control panel functions, follow these instructions, which apply to all three kinds of control
panels.

Setting up your control panel

Both the remote control panel and the virtual control panel are set up through an Operations Console
configuration. You need to install Operations Console and configure a remote control panel or a virtual
control panel to use control panel functions.

Setting up your remote control panel

To set up the remote control panel, you need to install Operations Console. Use the Operations Console
Configuration Wizard to select the remote control panel functions.
Be aware of the following considerations for configuring a remote control panel:
• A special remote control panel cable is required to support your configuration. Refer to Operations
Console cable requirements.

14 IBM i: Basic system operations

• A local console through dial-up support does not support the remote control panel functions. A remote
console through dial-up support only supports the remote control panel functions if the local console it
connects to has the cable installed and configured.

Setting up your virtual control panel

The IBM i Access Operations Console Web site has specific instructions for setting up your virtual control
panel. You must have configured a local console directly attached to the system for the virtual control
panel to function. To configure a local console directly attached to the system, you need to follow the
instructions in Operations Console. Be aware of those limitations and restrictions to the use of virtual
control panel functions in the installation instructions.
Related concepts
Remote control panel
The remote control panel provides a way to use control panel functions through a PC. The graphical user
interface of the remote control panel looks similar to the physical control panel.
Operations Console
Related information
Operations Console Web site
Operations Console connection troubleshooting

Accessing control panel functions

To access the control panel functions, follow these instructions, which apply to all three kinds of control
panels.
If you use the virtual control panel or remote control panel, click the button where the instructions say
press. To use the control panel, follow these steps:
1. If your physical control panel has a keystick, insert the keystick and press the Mode button to select
Manual mode. You must do this step even if you are using the remote control panel or virtual control
panel.
2. To select a function number, press the Increment or Decrement button on the control panel until the
function number you want is in the display.
3. Press Enter.
The following figure shows a control panel with a keystick. It shows the following items on the control
panel:
• Power On indicator
• Power pushbutton
• System Attention light
• Function/Data display
• Increment and Decrement buttons
• Enter pushbutton
• Mode selector
• Electronic keystick slot

Basic system operations 15

 Figure 1. Control panel with a keystick

Related concepts
Physical control panel
The physical control panel is your initial interface with the system. You can use the physical control panel
to perform functions, such as performing an initial program load (IPL) and turning on and turning off
the system. Control panel functions range in complexity from functions that display status (such as IPL
speed) to low-level service functions that only service representatives can access.
Remote control panel
The remote control panel provides a way to use control panel functions through a PC. The graphical user
interface of the remote control panel looks similar to the physical control panel.
Virtual control panel
With the virtual control panel, you can use control panel functions through a PC.
Control panel buttons, lights, and indicators

16 IBM i: Basic system operations

These figures illustrate the interface for each of the control panels, including the buttons, lights, and
indicators. The interface for the virtual control panel and remote control panel are identical.

Instructions and descriptions for control panel functions

Control panel functions can be classified into three categories: normal functions, extended functions, and
low-level debug functions. The remote control panel and virtual control panel can perform most of these
functions. The physical control panel can perform all of them.
Normal control panel functions
Normal control panel functions are the most often performed functions, such as displaying IPL speed
and forcing the system to perform an IPL. They also include functions such as forcing DST and forcing
a main storage dump. These functions are 01 through 49.
Extended control panel functions
Extended control panel functions are performed less often. Only service representatives can perform
these functions. Extended functions are 50 through 70.
Low-level debug panel functions
These are functions 57 through 70. They are performed only by service representatives.

Note: The examples in the following topics show control panels with a 4-word (32 character) display.
Control panels with a 1-word (8 character) display only show the first word (8 characters) of each
function.
Related concepts
Control panel functions
There are few functional differences among these control panels. The main difference is that the physical
control panel and the remote control panel, when cabled directly to the system, can turn on the system.
The virtual control panel and the remote control panel, if connected through a LAN, cannot turn on the
system.

Normal control panel functions

These instructions show how to use normal control panel functions 01 through 49. Functions 21 through
49 are available when you select the Manual mode.
The instructions you follow for function 01 or 02 depend on whether your system uses a keystick. Also,
the following instructions for functions 01 and 02 alternate between systems with a keystick and systems
without a keystick.
To determine how to activate functions 01 and 02 on a control panel, follow these steps:
1. Does the control panel have an electronic keylock (a keystick)?

Yes Go to the next step.

No The system displays the IPL key mode (For
Manual or Normal modes only). The Auto mode
and Secure mode are not supported. Follow the
procedures for functions 01 and 02 for systems
without a keystick.
2. Insert the keystick.
Press the Mode button to select the IPL mode. Follow function 01 and 02 procedures for systems with
a keystick.
Note: The function that is displayed is not activated until you press Enter on the control panel.
To select a function number, press the Increment or Decrement button on the control panel. To activate
the function, press Enter on the control panel while the system displays the required function number.
Function 01 - Display Selected IPL Type and IPL Speed (on Systems with a Keystick)

Basic system operations 17

 You can use this function to display the selected type and speed for the next IPL.
1. Display IPL types (A, B, C, or D).
2. Display IPL speed (F, S, SE, V=F, or V=S).
When selected, function 01 displays the currently selected IPL type and IPL speed values (where each _
represents 1 character).
The following table shows a function 01 example with a keystick.

Table 3. Function 01 on systems with a keystick

Function/data Action or description
Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll
0 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to function 01.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Valid IPL types are A, B, C, or D.

0 1 _ _ A _ _ _ _ _ V = F _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Valid IPL speed displays are F, S, SE, V=F, or V=S.

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ through the control panel functions.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Function 01 - Display Selected IPL Type, Logical Key Mode, and IPL Speed (on Systems without a
Keystick)
You can use this function to display the selected IPL type, logical key mode, and speed for the next IPL.
1. Display IPL types (A, B, C, or D).
2. Display the valid logical key modes (M or N).
3. Display IPL speed (F, S, SE, V=F, or V=S).
The following table shows a function 01 example on systems without a keystick.

Table 4. Function 01 on systems without a keystick

Function/data Action or description
Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll
0 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to function 01.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Valid IPL types are A, B, C, and D.

0 1 _ _ A _ _ M _ _ V = F _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Valid logical key modes are Manual and Normal.
Valid IPL speed displays are F, S, SE, V=F, or V=S.

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ through the control panel functions.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Function 02 with a keystick - Select IPL Type and IPL Speed Override (on Systems with a Keystick)
Before you can use function 02, you must have the system in Manual mode. You can change the IPL type
with the system turned on or off. However, to select the IPL speed override, you must turn off the system.
The following table shows the sequence used to select the IPL type on systems that are turned on.

18 IBM i: Basic system operations

Table 5. Function 02 - Select IPL type on turned-on systems with a keystick
Function/data Action or description
Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll
0 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to function 02.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to start function 02. The current IPL

0 2 _ _ A < _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ type is displayed with a pointer.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 2 _ _ B < _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ through the IPL types.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to select the IPL type and exit function

0 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 02.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ through the control panel functions.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The following table shows the sequence used to select the IPL type and IPL speed on systems that are
turned off.

Table 6. Function 02 - Select IPL type and IPL speed on turned-off systems with a keystick
Function/Data Action or Description
Use Increment or Decrement button to scroll to
0 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ function 02.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to start function 02:

0 2 _ _ A < _ _ _ _ _ _ V _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
• The current IPL type is displayed with a pointer.
• The current IPL speed is displayed.

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 2 _ _ B < _ _ _ _ _ _ V _ _ _ through the IPL types and speeds.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to select the IPL type.

0 2 _ _ B _ _ _ _ _ _ _ V _ < _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
• The current IPL type is displayed.
• The current IPL speed is displayed with a pointer.

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 2 _ _ B _ _ _ _ _ _ _ S _ < _ through the IPL speeds.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to select the IPL speed and exit

0 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ function 02.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Basic system operations 19

 Table 6. Function 02 - Select IPL type and IPL speed on turned-off systems with a keystick (continued)
Function/Data Action or Description
Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll
0 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ through the control panel functions.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Function 02 without a keystick - Select IPL type, IPL speed override, and Logical key mode (on
Systems without a Keystick)
You can use function 02 in either normal mode or manual mode. With the system either turned on or off,
this function allows you to select the IPL type and logical key mode. Before you can select the IPL speed
override, you must turn off the system.
Turned-on systems
For turned-on systems without a keystick, function 02 is used to select the IPL mode and logical key
mode. The following table shows an example of the function 02 IPL type and logical key mode selection
sequence for a turned-on system that does not have a keystick.

Table 7. Function 02 - Select IPL type and logical key mode on turned-on systems without a keystick
Function/data Action or description
Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll
0 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to function 02.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to start function 02.

0 2 _ _ A < _ M _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
• The current IPL type is displayed with a pointer.
• The current logical key mode is displayed.

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 2 _ _ B < _ M _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ through the IPL types.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to select the IPL type.

0 2 _ _ B _ _ M < _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 2 _ _ B _ _ N < _ _ _ _ _ _ _ through the logical key modes.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to select the logical key mode and exit

0 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ function 02.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ through the control panel functions.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Turned-off systems
For turned-off systems without a keystick, function 02 is used to select the IPL type, logical key mode,
and IPL speed indicators. The following table shows an example of the function 02 IPL type, logical key
mode, and IPL speed selection sequence for a turned-off system that does not have a keystick.

20 IBM i: Basic system operations

Table 8. Function 02 - Select IPL type, logical key mode, and IPL speed on turned-off systems without a
keystick
Function/data Action or description
Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll
0 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to function 02.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to start function 02.

0 2 _ _ A < _ M _ _ _ _ V _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
• The current IPL type is displayed with a pointer.
• The current logical key mode is displayed.
• The current IPL speed is displayed.

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 2 _ _ B < _ M _ _ _ _ V _ _ _ through the IPL types.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to select the IPL type.

0 2 _ _ B _ _ M < _ _ _ V _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
• The current IPL type is displayed.
• The current logical key mode is displayed with a
pointer.
• The current IPL speed is displayed.

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 2 _ _ B _ _ N < _ _ _ V _ _ _ through the logical key modes.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to select the logical key mode.

0 2 _ _ B _ _ N _ _ _ _ V _ < _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
• The current IPL type is displayed.
• The current logical key mode is displayed.
• The current IPL speed is displayed with a pointer.

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 2 _ _ B _ _ N _ _ _ _ S _ < _ through the IPL speeds.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Press Enter to select the IPL speed and exit

0 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ function 02.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Use the Increment or Decrement button to scroll

0 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ through the control panel functions.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Function 03 - Start IPL

The system enables function 03 only when the key mode is Manual and the system is turned on.
This function starts an IPL of the selected IPL type when you press the Enter button. The system will load
all the Licensed Internal Code.
Attention: No system shutdown is performed before IPL. The use of this function can cause data
loss.
Function 04 - Lamp Test

Basic system operations 21

 This function shows whether any control panel indicators are burned out and whether characters that are
displayed on the control panel Function/Data display are valid. When you activate this test, all the control
panel lights and indicators flash on and off.
The lamp test continues on the system control panel until you perform another control panel function or a
power procedure. The lamp test for the expansion unit control panel is active for 25 seconds and does not
flash.
Use this procedure to verify that the lights on the system control panel are working correctly. If you
cannot complete these steps, contact your service provider.
1. Turn on the system.
2. Press the Increment or Decrement buttons on the control panel to display function 04.
Press Enter on the control panel.
3. Do all of the lights and indicators on the system control panel flash on and off?

Yes Proceed to the next step.

No Need to exchange the control panel or the
replaceable unit that contains the control panel
function (system unit backplane (MB1) or tower
card (CB1)). Contact your service provider.
4. Do all the control panel lights on the expansion unit come on?

Yes End.
No Exchange the control panel on the expansion
unit.

The lights on the system control panel are working correctly.

Function 05 - SPCN SRC
Function 05 displays information about power faults and provides informational reference codes during
disk-unit concurrent maintenance procedures. The format for this function is as follows:

Figure 2. SPCN SRC formats

In this format, RR represents the frame number where the failing unit is installed; U represents the SPCN
port to which the failing unit is connected; and rrr represents unit reference code (URC).
Function 07
Function 07 is only used during service by authorized IBM service representatives.
Function 08 - Fast Turn Off

22 IBM i: Basic system operations

Function 08 is enabled only when the key mode is Manual and the system is turned on.
Use this function when the system is suspended and you cannot turn off the system.
The first time that you select function 08 and press Enter, the system displays an attention SRC, 11 A1xx
8008. This SRC indicates that you selected Function 08. The second time that you select function 08 and
press Enter, you confirm the request to turn off the system. To perform a fast turn off, see Stopping the
system.
Attention:
• No system shutdown is performed before the initial program load (IPL). The use of this function
can cause loss of data.
• If the system password was changed at the most recent IPL, performing a fast turn off might
cause that new password information to be lost.
Functions 09 to 10 - Reserved
These functions are reserved for future control panel operations.
Functions 11 to 19 - System Reference Code (SRC)
Functions 11 though 19, if enabled, represent the words of the SRC.
You must record SRC information for error reporting and contact your service provider.
Function 20 - System type, model, feature code, hardware level, and IPL path description
This function displays the machine type, model, processor feature code, hardware level, and IPL path
description in the following format:

t m m m c c c c _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
h h h h _ _ _ _ i i i i i i i i

Values for t indicate the machine type:

1 9401
2 9402
4 9404
6 9406

Values for m indicate the model:

mmm Model number (for example, 820)

Values for c indicate the system processor feature code:

cccc Processor feature code (for example, 23A4)

Values for hhhh indicate the system processor hardware level:

hhhh Processor hardware level (for example, 1025)

Values for iiiiiiii indicate the description of the system turn on or restart path:

iiiiiiii The restart path description (for example, 00 000

001 indicates that the system was turned on by
using the white button on the control panel).

You should record this information with the SRC.

Basic system operations 23

 Function 21 - Make DST Available
This function makes DST available on the system console display. The Use Dedicated Service Tools (DST)
display appears on the primary or alternative console.
To exit DST and return to the operating system, select the Resume operating system display option on the
Use Dedicated Service Tools (DST) display.
Function 22 - Dump Main Storage
This function dumps main storage and processor data to the disk.
Note: Before to pressing function 22, determine whether function 34 is available (00 shows in the panel
after you select function 34). If it is available, then the system is attempting to run a main storage dump
IPL. Using function 34 attempts to try the IPL again, such that the original dump is not lost. If function 34
is not enabled, (>FF shows in the panel after you select function 34), go back and start function 22.
The first time that you select function 22 and press Enter, the system displays attention SRC 11 A1xx
3022. This indicates that you selected function 22. To dump main storage and system processor data to
the disk, you must select function 22 again and press Enter.
Use this function only when a main storage dump is necessary, for example, after a suspended (system
hang) condition or after an operating system failure.
Attention: No system shutdown is performed before the main storage dump. The use of this
function can cause data loss.
Functions 25 and 26 - Service Switches 1 and 2
In function 25, the service representative switch 1 is set. Function 25 is the first step necessary to set the
service function range (50 to 99).
In function 26, the service representative switch 2 is set. Function 26 is the second step necessary to set
the service function range (50 to 99).
Function 33 - Reorder SPCN Addressing
This function puts the rack addresses in the correct order to show their position in the system power
control network (SPCN). Use it when you have added racks to or removed them from the system.
Function 34 - Retry MSD IPL
Function 34 is enabled only for main storage dump (MSD) IPLs. You can use it when the system is hung
during the MSD IPL to try the IPL again without losing the original dump information.
Related tasks
Stopping the system
Turning off your system needs careful attention. If you turn off the system without following this topic,
data might be damaged, or the system might behave in unpredictable ways.

Extended control panel functions

The system enables service functions 50 through 70 when you select manual mode and enter function 25
(service switch 1), then function 26 (service switch 2). You use subfunctions with Functions 51 and 57
through 64.
Notes:
1. When a function has no data to display, FF is shown.
2. Some upper functions, 50 through 70, are not supported using the remote control panel and virtual
control panel, depending on connectivity.
3. Nonsupported functions for the remote control panel and virtual control panel display FF.
To enable functions 50 through 70, follow these steps:
1. Select function 25 and press Enter. The display reads 25 00.

24 IBM i: Basic system operations

2. Use the Increment button to select function 26 and press Enter. The display briefly reads 26 00. Then
it typically displays 01 B when the upper functions have activated.
Functions 50 through 70 are now available.
You can disable the service functions by selecting and entering either function 25 (service switch 1) or
function 26 (service switch 2).
To disable functions 50 through 70, select function 25 and press Enter. Functions 50 through 70 are then
no longer available.
Using Subfunctions
To work with subfunctions, follow these steps:
1. Use the Increment or Decrement button to select the appropriate function and press Enter. The
function number is displayed with asterisks (**); for example, 57**. The two asterisks indicate that
subfunctions are available.
2. Press the Increment button. The first subfunction number is displayed; for example, 5700.
3. As the subfunction number is displayed, press Enter. The system displays data associated with the
subfunction number.
4. Press the Increment button. The next subfunction number is displayed; for example, 5701.
5. As the subfunction number is displayed, press Enter. The system displays the data associated with the
new subfunction number.
6. Repeat these steps to gather all the data that is associated with the subfunction.
7. Use the Increment or Decrement button to return to the function display with asterisks; for example
57**.
8. Press Enter to exit the subfunctions.
Function 50 - System Processor Stop
This function stops the system processor.
Attention: This function might cause the system to end abnormally. Use the function only when
directed to do so by your next level of support.
Function 51 - System Processor Status
This function displays the following values:
• Next instruction address (NIA).
• Current task dispatching element (TDE) address.
The data can be displayed 8 digits at a time. Select and enter a subfunction number to display each word
of data from 00 to 0F.
The following table is an example of a subfunction data display that shows NIA and TDE information.

Table 9. Subfunction data display example

Function Subfunction Data Display
51 ** Subfunction mode entered
51 00, 01 NIA (8 bytes)
51 02, 03 Current TDE (8 bytes)

Function 52 - System Processor Start

This function starts the system processor (after it has stopped).
Function 53 - Repeat GARD
This function displays the following values:

Basic system operations 25

 • Clear memory, processor, L3 Repeat GARD.
• Enable memory, processor, L3 Repeat GARD.
• Disable memory, processor, L3 Repeat GARD.
• View enable/disable status.
This function permanently unconfigures an intermittently failing processor, during the IPL following
the failure. This is performed in case the IPL diagnostics cannot detect the failure and automatically
unconfigure it. The failing processor must be replaced or the Repeat GARD function must be cleared
before that processor can be used again.
Attention: This function can cause an operating processor to be permanently unconfigured
following a power failure. Use the function only when directed to do so by your next level of
support.
The following table is an example of a subfunction data display that shows Repeat GARD information.

Table 10. Subfunction data display example

Function Subfunction Data Display
53 ** Subfunction mode entered
53 00 Clear memory, processor, L3
Repeat GARD
53 01 Enable memory, processor, L3
Repeat GARD
53 02 Disable memory, processor, L3
Repeat GARD
53 03 View enable/disable status
(E=Enabled, D=Disabled)

Low-level debug panel functions 57 through 70

You can enable these functions by selecting Manual mode and selecting functions 25 and 26.
Here is a list of all the low-level debug panel functions and a description of each:
Function 57 - Display Service Processor Diagnostic Data Area Addresses
These addresses can be used to display debug data in function 62.
Function 58 - Setting First Character of the Base Address for the Function 62 Display
Function 59 - Setting Second Character of the Base Address for the Function 62 Display
Function 60 - Setting Third Character of Base Address for the Function 62 Display
Function 61 - Setting Fourth Character of Base Address for the Function 62 Display
Function 62 - Display Service Processor Storage
This function displays service processor storage starting at the address that has been set with
functions 58 through 61.
Function 63 - System Status SRC Trace
The system status SRC trace is a copy of the last 25 status SRCs (those that are typically associated
with the IPL sequence or the turn-off sequence). Enter a subfunction between hexadecimal 00 and 18
to look at the status SRCs in sequential order. The most recent SRC (the last status SRC) is displayed
at subfunction hexadecimal 18.
Function 64 - Diagnostic Status SRC Trace
The diagnostic status SRC trace is a copy of the last 25 status SRCs (those that are typically
associated with the service processor function of problem analysis and main storage dump). Enter
a subfunction between hexadecimal 00 and 18 to look at the status SRCs in sequence. You can see
the most recent SRC (the last status SRC) at subfunction hexadecimal 18 and the extended SRC words
for this SRC at subfunctions 19 through 1A.

26 IBM i: Basic system operations

Function 65 - Deactivate Remote Service
Use this function to deactivate a remote service session or Operations Console. This function releases
the communications port that was in use for a remote service session or Operations Console.
Function 66 - Activate Remote Service
Use this function to activate a remote service session or Operations Console. This function activates
the communications port that is used by a remote service session or Operations Console.
Function 67 - Disk Unit IOP Reset/Reload
Function 67 is not available for all system types. Use this function to initiate an IOP dump and a disk
unit IOP reset/reload. The function is enabled only when specific SRCs are displayed on the control
panel and the associated IOP supports a reset/reload function.
Function 68 - Turn off Disk Unit IOP/IOA Power Domain
Function 68 is enabled only by specific disk-unit system reference codes (SRCs) such as disk-unit
attention SRCs.
Function 69 - Turn on Disk Unit IOP/IOA Power Domain
Function 69 is enabled when the power domain is turned off.
Function 70 - Dump Service Processor Control Storage
This function saves the contents of the service processor control storage into nonvolatile storage for
potential use from an error log.

Using remote control panel APIs

You can use these APIs to write a program that can access the control panel remotely. With the APIs, your
program can access many commands and queries.
The remote control panel function of Operations Console provides a set of APIs that system
administrators can use to control the system through programs. The APIs allow custom programs to
interact with the system control panel and perform many common system control panel functions.
You can use these APIs only if you are using the remote control panel that is connected with the
serial console cable. You cannot use these APIs with the virtual control panel or remote control panel
connected with a parallel cable.
The interface to the remote control panel APIs is established through a standard TCP/IP socket
connection. The socket connection can be implemented in any programming language that supports
sockets on the Windows platform (Java™ , C/C++, Visual Basic to name a few).
To use the remote control panel APIs, follow these steps:
1. Start Operations Console with the remote control panel function.
2. From a custom program, open a socket connection to port 2150 on the same PC.
3. Send a supported command from the set of commands that are described below (using uppercase and
lowercase letters as shown for each API name).
4. Receive the byte stream that is sent back on the same socket connection.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as necessary on the same socket connection.
6. Close the socket connection when done.
Your program needs to interpret the byte stream that is sent back from the system. The returned byte
stream consists of a predefined format, which is the same for all commands. The byte stream is at least 4
bytes long. Some commands return additional bytes.
The first 2 bytes (0 and 1) will return the command status, typically successful or unsuccessful. The next
2 bytes (2 and 3) will be a 16-bit number N, which tells how many additional bytes will follow these first 4
bytes. If N is nonzero, then there will be additional information in bytes 4 through 4 + N. This information
will be additional data related to the command, such as TRUE or FALSE.
Note: If the command sent is not one of the command strings defined below, then the return code in
bytes 0 and 1 of the return value will be 32 (0x20). This means Command not Supported.
Your programs can perform the following control panel functions by using the following APIs.

Basic system operations 27

 System power and test APIs
You can use these APIs to turn on and off the system and to perform and clear panel lamp tests.

Turning on the system

To turn on the system, you can use the PowerOn API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful

Performing panel lamp test

To perform the panel lamp test, you can use the DoLampTest API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful

Clearing panel lamp test

To clear the panel lamp test results, you can use the ClearLampTest API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+ N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful

Powering off the system

To turn off the system, you can use the PowerOff API.
To use this command, you must insert the keystick in the electronic keystick slot (on systems with a
keystick).
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+ N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted

28 IBM i: Basic system operations

IPL-related APIs
You can use these APIs to set initial program load (IPL) modes, types, and speed, and to start an IPL.

Setting IPL mode to Manual

To set the system initial program load (IPL) mode to Manual, you can use the SetIPLModeManual API.
You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+ N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted

Setting IPL mode to Normal

To set the system initial program load (IPL) mode to Normal, you can use the SetIPLModeNormal API.
You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted

Setting IPL mode to Auto

To set the system initial program load (IPL) mode to Auto, you can use the SetIPLModeAuto API.
You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted

Setting IPL mode to Secure

To set the system initial program load (IPL) mode to Secure, you can use the SetIPLModeSecure API.
You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
This API returns the following information:

Basic system operations 29

 Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N
16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted

Setting IPL type to A

To set the system initial program load (IPL) type to A, you can use the SetIPLTypeA API.
You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick). The system must be in Manual
mode.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode

Setting IPL type to B

To set the system initial program load (IPL) type to B, you can use the SetIPLTypeB API.
You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick). The system must be in Manual
mode.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode

Setting IPL type to C

To set the system initial program load (IPL) type to C, you can use the SetIPLTypeC API.
You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick). The system must be in Manual
mode.
This API returns the following information.

30 IBM i: Basic system operations

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+ N
16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode

Setting IPL type to D

To set the system initial program load (IPL) type to D, you can use the SetIPLTypeD API.
You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick). The system must be in Manual
mode.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode

Starting an IPL
To start a system initial program load (IPL), you can use the StartIPL API.
To use this command, follow these instructions:
• You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
• The system must be in Manual mode.
• You must turn on the system.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode
16 = System turned Off

Setting IPL speed to Fast

To set the system initial program load (IPL) speed to Fast, you can use the SetIPLSpeedFast API.
To use this command, follow these instructions:
• You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
• The system must be in Manual mode.
• You must turn off the system.
This API returns the following information.

Basic system operations 31

 Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N
16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode
8 = System turned On

Setting IPL speed to Slow

To set the system initial program load (IPL) speed to Slow, you can use the SetIPLSpeedSlow API.
To use this command, follow these instructions:
• You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
• The system must be in Manual mode.
• You must turn off the system.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode
8 = System turned On

Setting IPL speed to system default

To set the system initial program load (IPL) speed to the default value, you can use the
SetIPLSpeedDefault API.
To use this command, follow these instructions:
• You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
• The system must be in Manual mode.
• You must turn off the system.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode
8 = System turned On

32 IBM i: Basic system operations

Other system function APIs
You can use these APIs to start dedicated service tools (DST), to start a main storage dump (MSD), and to
disable continuously powered main storage.

Starting dedicated service tools on the primary or alternate console

You can use the StartDST API to start the dedicated service tools (DST) on the primary or alternative
console.
To use this command, follow these instructions:
• You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
• The system must be in Manual mode.
• You must turn on the system.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode
16 = System turned Off

Starting a main storage dump

To start a main storage dump (MSD), you can use the StartMSD API.
To use this command, follow these instructions:
• You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
• The system must be in Manual mode.
• You must turn on the system.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode
16 = System turned Off

Disabling continuously powered main storage

To disable the continuously powered main storage (CPM) on the system, you can use the DisableCPM
API.
To use this command, follow these instructions:
• You must insert a key to use this command (on systems with a keystick).
• The system must be in Manual mode.
• You must turn off the system.

Basic system operations 33

 This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N = Not applicable
0
0 = Command successful
1 = Command unsuccessful
2 = Key not inserted
4 = Not in Manual mode
8 = System turned On

APIs that check the system status

You can use these APIs to check the system status.

Is CPM present?
You can use the GetCPMPresent API to determine whether the continuously powered main storage
(CPM) is present on the system.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N True or False
0 = Command successful N = size of the ASCII return value
(The NULL at the end of the string
1 = Command unsuccessful
is not included in the value.)

Is CPM enabled?
You can use the GetCPMEnabled API to determine whether the system has continuously powered main
storage (CPM) enabled.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N True or False
0 = Command successful N = size of the ASCII return value
(The NULL at the end of the string
1 = Command unsuccessful
is not included in the value.)

Is the key inserted?

To determine whether the system has a keystick inserted, you can use the GetKeyInserted API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N True or False
0 = Command successful N = size of the ASCII return value
(The NULL at the end of the string
1 = Command unsuccessful
is not included in the value.)

34 IBM i: Basic system operations

Is the system turned on?
To determine whether you have the system powered on, you can use the GetPowerOn API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N True or False
0 = Command successful N = size of the ASCII return value
(The NULL at the end of the string
1 = Command unsuccessful
is not included in the value.)

Is the attention light lit?

To determine whether the attention light is on, you can use the GetAttentionLight API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N True or False
0 = Command successful N = size of the ASCII return value
(The NULL at the end of the string
1 = Command unsuccessful
is not included in the value.)

Is SPCN present?
You can use the GetSPCNPresent API to determine whether the system powered control network
(SPCN) is present on the system.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N True or False
0 = Command successful N = size of the ASCII return value
(The NULL at the end of the string
1 = Command unsuccessful
is not included in the value.)

Getting the IPL mode

To determine the system initial program load (IPL) mode, you can use the GetIPLMode API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N Manual, Normal, Auto, or Secure
0 = Command successful N = size of the ASCII return value
(The NULL at the end of the string
1 = Command unsuccessful
is not included in the value.)

Getting the IPL type

To determine the system IPL type, you can use the GetIPLType API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.

Basic system operations 35

 This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N A or B or C or D
0 = Command successful N = size of the ASCII return value
(The NULL at the end of the string
1 = Command unsuccessful
is not included in the value.)

Getting the IPL speed

To determine the system initial program load (IPL) speed, you can use the GetIPLSpeed API.

There are no restrictions to the use of this command.

This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N Slow/Fast or V=Slow/V=Fast
0 = Command successful N = size of the ASCII return value Note: The responses with
(The NULL at the end of the string V=Slow/V=Fast indicate the
1 = Command unsuccessful
is not included in the value.) default IPL speed.

Getting type and model information

To determine the system type and model numbers, you can use the GetType&Model API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N ZZZZZZZZ
0 = Command successful N = size of the ASCII return value (ASCII string with type and
(The NULL at the end of the string model information.)
1 = Command unsuccessful
is not included in the value.)

Getting the SPCN system reference code

To return the system powered control network (SPCN) system reference code (SRC), if available, you can
use the GetSPCNSRC API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N

16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N 0x'XXXXXXXX'
0 = Command successful N = size of the hexadecimal Note: Hexadecimal return data
return value (The NULL at the end will be 4 bytes available by SRC.
1 = Command unsuccessful
of the string is not included in the
value.)

Getting all system reference codes 1 - 9

To return all the system reference codes (SRCs) 1 through 9, if available, you can use the GetSRCs API.
There are no restrictions to the use of this command.
This API returns the following information.

36 IBM i: Basic system operations

 Bytes 0 and 1 Bytes 2 and 3 Bytes 4 through 4+N
16-bit return code 16-bit additional data length N 0x'XXXXXXXX'
0 = Command successful N = size of the hexadecimal Note: Hexadecimal return data
return value (The NULL at the end will be 4 bytes available by SRC.
1 = Command unsuccessful
of the string is not included in the
value.)

Starting and stopping the system

The IBM i platform is well-known for rarely needing to be stopped or restarted. However, some
maintenance items or system changes might require that the system stop processing and go through
an initial program load (IPL). Stopping and starting the system must be done carefully.
Note: The procedures for starting and stopping the system depend on whether you have a partitioned
system. The following instructions are relevant only for a system without logical partitions. If you have
a partitioned system without the Hardware Management Console, see Restarting and powering down a
system with logical partitions. If you have a partitioned system with the Hardware Management Console,
see Partitioning with IBM i.
Regardless of how your system environment is configured, starting and stopping the system requires
careful planning to prevent data loss and to protect system integrity. The IBM i operating system provides
several methods for starting the system to allow for various amounts of interaction with the user.
Note: Several system values determine the available options for starting and stopping the system.

Starting the system

Some changes to the system settings or hardware configuration require the system to go through a
startup sequence called an initial program load (IPL). During an IPL, system programs load from the
designated load source device in the system auxiliary storage. The system hardware is also checked.
The control panel displays a series of system reference codes that indicate its current status and warn you
of any problems. When the IPL is finished, the character-based interface presents the sign-on display, and
users can sign on with System i Navigator.
During the IPL, the control panel displays a series of system resource codes (SRCs) indicating the current
system activity.
There are various options for starting a system.
Related information
IPL system reference code (SRC) finder

Starting the system without making configuration changes (unattended IPL)

This is the most common way to start the system. Unattended initial program loads (IPLs) reset system
storage and recognize any configuration changes automatically.

Prerequisites
This procedure assumes that the system is running, and requires that several additional conditions be met
before you begin an IPL. While most of these settings are the default values, you must verify them if you
are unsure.
• The IPL mode for the system must be set to Normal (unattended IPL).
• The Type of restart (QIPLTYPE) system value must be set to unattended (0).
• Turn on any devices, such as display stations, printers, tape devices, and controllers, that you or others
want to use.

Basic system operations 37

 Situation
Unattended IPLs reset system storage and recognize any configuration changes automatically. The
amount of time required for any IPL depends on the size and complexity of the system, ranging from
a few minutes to several hours. When the unattended IPL is complete, the sign-on display appears on the
display station.
Note: If you are working on a system that has logical partitions, you need to understand how to restart
and turn off the system with logical partitions.

Performing an unattended IPL

Enter different options on the command line to perform an unattended IPL.
1. Type ENDSYS or ENDSBS *ALL on any command line and press Enter.
Note: More options are available for the End System (ENDSYS) and the End Subsystem (ENDSBS)
commands, for example, to set delay time.
2. Type WRKSBS to verify that the controlling subsystems have ended and are in the restricted state. The
subsystems status must be RSTD.
3. Type PWRDWNSYS *IMMED RESTART(*YES) on any command line and press Enter.
When the unattended IPL is done, the sign-on display appears on the display station.
Related concepts
Operating mode of an IPL
The operating mode determines the number of options that are presented to the operator for
consideration during and after the initial program load (IPL). It can also secure (lock) the control panel to
prevent an unauthorized or inadvertent IPL from the control panel.
System values that control IPL
You can use these system values to control the type of initial program load (IPL) and the way the system
performs an IPL. You can now work with all system values in System i Navigator.
Subsystems
Scheduling a system shutdown and restart
You can set up a schedule that automatically turns your system on and off at the time of day you set. You
can also specify special circumstances that change the normal daily schedule, such as a holiday or special
closing.
Related tasks
Restarting and powering down a system with logical partitions
Related reference
ENDSYS (End System) command
ENDSBS (End Subsystem) command

Changing the system during IPL (attended IPL)

If you want to change initial program load (IPL) options, to install the operating system, to use dedicated
service tools, to work with logical partitions, or to recover from a system failure, you need to perform an
attended IPL. These situations might require you to enter information or change system values.

Prerequisites
This procedure assumes that the system is running, and requires that several additional conditions be met
before you begin an initial program load (IPL). Most of these settings are the default values, but you must
verify them if you are unsure of the current setting.
• The IPL mode for the system must be set to Manual (attended IPL).
• The Type of restart (QIPLTYPE) system value must be set to attended (1).

38 IBM i: Basic system operations

• Turn on any devices, such as display stations, printers, tape devices, and controllers that you or others
want to use.

Situation
If you want to change IPL options, install the operating system, use dedicated service tools, work with
logical partitions, or recover from a system failure, you need to perform an attended IPL. This IPL mode
requires that you respond to several prompts during the startup sequence.

Performing an attended IPL

Enter different options on the command line to perform an attended IPL.
1. Type ENDSYS or ENDSBS *ALL on any command line and press Enter.
Note: More options are available for the End System (ENDSYS) and the End Subsystem (ENDSBS)
commands, for example, to set delay time.
2. Type WRKSBS to verify that the controlling subsystems have ended and are in the restricted state. The
subsystems status must be RSTD.
3. Type PWRDWNSYS *IMMED RESTART(*YES) on any command line and press Enter.
After you begin the attended IPL, the system displays the IPL options display where you can choose
which options you want to work with during the IPL. During the IPL, the system displays any options that
you selected, or that are required due to system changes.
Related concepts
Operating mode of an IPL
The operating mode determines the number of options that are presented to the operator for
consideration during and after the initial program load (IPL). It can also secure (lock) the control panel to
prevent an unauthorized or inadvertent IPL from the control panel.
System values that control IPL
You can use these system values to control the type of initial program load (IPL) and the way the system
performs an IPL. You can now work with all system values in System i Navigator.
Subsystems
Changing your password
During the installation of the IBM i licensed program, you might need to enter the system password for the
initial program load (IPL) to continue.
Related reference
ENDSYS (End System) command
ENDSBS (End Subsystem) command

Attended IPL displays

During an attended initial program load (IPL), your display station or console displays any required or
selected displays.
The following displays appear during the IPL, if you select them on the IPL options display:
• Set major system options
• Define or change the system
The following displays appear if system changes require them:
• Edit access paths
• Edit check pending constraints

Basic system operations 39

 Setting major system options
The Set Major System Options display allows you to select automatic configuration, the type of device
configuration naming, and the special environment in which you want to run.
To set these options, follow these steps:
1. Type the new values over the existing values in the following fields:
• Enable automatic configuration
– Y (Yes) automatically configures local devices.
– N (No) indicates no automatic configuration.
• Device configuration naming
– *NORMAL uses a naming convention unique to the IBM i platform; for example, DSP01 and PRT01
for displays and printers, TAP01 and OPT01 for tape and CD-ROM devices.
– *DEVADR uses a naming convention which is obtained from the device resource name, for
example, DSP010203 for a display station, PRT010203 for a printer, TAP01 and OPT01 for tape
and CD-ROM devices.
• Default special environment
– *NONE indicates that there is no special environment.
2. Press Enter.

Defining or changing the system at IPL

On the Define or Change the System at IPL display, you can change the system configuration, system
values, user profiles, and system, network, object, or file attributes during the initial program load (IPL).
This display is shown when you type Y (Yes) in the Define or change the system at IPL field on the IPL
Options display.
1. Select any of the following options:
• To change the way the system starts, select option 3 (System value commands).
• To change any of the other options, select them before exiting and continuing the IPL.
2. When you finish using the options on this display, press F3 (Exit and continue IPL) to continue the IPL.
Related concepts
Changing system values during IPL
System values control information that affects the operation of certain parts of the system. On the System
Value Commands display, you can change system values that affect initial program load (IPL) or other
areas of the system.

Editing access paths during attended IPL

Applications use access paths to determine the order of records in a database file. If the access paths
have changed, use the Edit Rebuild of Access Paths display to reconstruct them.
Access paths define the order that records in a database file are organized for processing by a program. If
there are access paths to rebuild, the Edit Rebuild of Access Paths display is shown after the IPL Options
display.
Tip: Use the online help information about this display to get more information about each column and
field.
A message notifies you that a journal needs to perform an access path recovery. A journal is a system
object. It is used to record entries in a journal receiver when a change is made to an object associated
with the journal. Any access path that is recoverable (because it was recorded) is not shown on this
display. The IPL threshold indicates that access paths with a sequence less than or equal to the number
specified will be rebuilt at IPL time. It is a value from 1 through 99 that you can set (the default is 50).
If the IPL threshold changes, all access paths with a status of IPL and AFTIPL changes to reflect the new
status of the IPL threshold.
• To change the sequence of access paths that are rebuilt, follow these steps:

40 IBM i: Basic system operations

 a) Make any changes to the Seq column.
b) Press Enter.
• If you do not want to change the sequence, press Enter.
The Display Access Path Status display is shown if there are access paths left to be rebuilt.
Tip: Press Enter to continue with the IPL from the Edit Rebuild of Access Paths display.
If no access paths need to be rebuilt, the IPL continues.
If you press F3 (Exit and continue IPL), the access paths are rebuilt while the IPL continues. If you press
F12 (Cancel), you return to the Edit Rebuild of Access Paths display.
Every 5 seconds, the display is updated with the current run time. After all the access paths have been
rebuilt (access paths with a sequence less than or equal to the IPL threshold), the IPL continues.

Editing check pending constraints during attended IPL

Some physical files might have restrictions placed on them. These restrictions need to be verified during
an initial program load (IPL). On the Edit Check Pending Constraints display, you can verify the status of
these physical files.
During an attended IPL, the Edit Check Pending Constraints display is shown if there are constraints to be
verified. A constraint is an attribute that places a restriction or limitation on a physical file.
Tip: Use the online help information about this display to get more information about each column and
field.
On the Edit Check Pending Constraints display, you can change the sequence (1 through 99) of the
constraints to be verified. If the constraint has a sequence less than or equal to the IPL threshold, it is
verified during the IPL. If a constraint has a sequence greater than the IPL threshold, it is verified after
IPL. The sequence *HLD indicates that the constraint is not verified until it is changed to a number from 1
through 99. When the IPL threshold changes, all constraints with a status of IPL or AFTIPL are changed to
reflect the new status of the IPL threshold.
• To change the sequence of check pending constraints, follow these steps:
a) Make any changes to the Seq column.
b) Press Enter.
• If you do not want to change the sequence, press Enter.
The Display Constraint Status display is shown if there are constraints left to be verified.
If you press F3 (Exit and continue IPL), the constraints are verified while the IPL continues. Every
five seconds, the display is updated with the current run time. After all constraints with IPL status
have been verified, the IPL continues. If you press F12 (Cancel), you return to the Edit Check Pending
Constraints display.

Changing your system IPL from the control panel

You can specify the type of initial program load (IPL) you need to perform from the system control panel.
The Increment/Decrement buttons are used to change the IPL type and mode on systems without a mode
button. Use Function 02 to select the IPL type (A, B, or D) and mode (normal or manual). To select the IPL
type and mode from the control panel, follow these steps:
1. Use the Increment/Decrement buttons to select Function 02, and press Enter.
2. Use the Increment/Decrement buttons to select the IPL type and mode you want, and then press the
Enter button to save.
3. Optional: To specify a fast or slow IPL that can only be set one time at the console panel when the
system is turned off, follow these steps:
a) Select Function 02 and press Enter twice.
b) Use the Increment/Decrement buttons to select F (Fast), S (Slow), or V (Value from IPL attributes).

Basic system operations 41

 The Hardware diagnostics IPL attribute determines the type of subsequent IPLs. *MIN is the preferred
setting. However, if you anticipate any hardware problems, specify *ALL on the Hardware diagnostics
parameter. Use the Change IPL Attributes (CHGIPLA) command to change the IPL attribute.
Related tasks
Restarting and powering down a system with logical partitions

IPL type
The IPL type determines which copy of programs your system uses during the initial program load (IPL).
There are four IPL types:
IPL type A
Use IPL type A when directed for special work, such as applying fixes (PTFs) and diagnostic work. For
example, use IPL type A in the following circumstances:
• When IPL type B fails
• When the procedures direct you to use IPL type A
• When you suspect problems with temporary Licensed Internal Code fixes.
IPL type A uses the A copy of Licensed Internal Code during and after the IPL. This copy of Licensed
Internal Code is the permanent copy. It resides in System Storage Area A. It contains no temporarily
applied fixes.

IPL type B
Use IPL type B for routine work and when directed by a PTF procedure. This type of IPL runs the
newest copy of Licensed Internal Code and is necessary when you permanently apply certain fixes.
IPL type B uses the B copy of Licensed Internal Code during and after the IPL. This copy resides in
System Storage Area B. This copy contains temporarily applied fixes.

IPL type C
Rochester development support reserves this type of IPL for hardware service representatives.
Attention: Do not use this function. Data loss can occur with improper use of this function.

IPL type D
Use IPL type D when directed for special work, such as installing and reloading programs.
IPL type D loads the system programs from an alternate IPL load source, such as a tape drive or
CD-ROM.
Typically an IPL uses programs that are stored on the primary IPL load source (typically a disk drive).
Sometimes it is necessary to perform an IPL from another source, such as programs that are stored on
tape. To do this, you must use IPL type D to perform an IPL from the alternate IPL load source.
Use IPL type D only during one of the following situations:
• When the installation or restore procedures direct you to use IPL type D
• When IPL type B and IPL type A fail (when the primary IPL load source cannot perform an IPL on the
system properly) and only when directed by your support personnel
• When service directs you to perform an alternate installation
Related concepts
Changing operating modes and IPL types
By changing IPL types, you can perform an initial program load (IPL) from the load-source media or from
an alternate load source media. With this operation, you can apply fixes (PTFs). By changing the operating
mode, you have several options in controlling the IPL.
Related tasks
Using software fixes

42 IBM i: Basic system operations

Operating mode of an IPL
The operating mode determines the number of options that are presented to the operator for
consideration during and after the initial program load (IPL). It can also secure (lock) the control panel to
prevent an unauthorized or inadvertent IPL from the control panel.
There are four operating modes:
Normal (unattended)
After the power-on, operating the system in Normal (unattended) mode requires no operator
intervention during the IPL.
When you turn on the system in normal mode, it performs the IPL and presents the Sign On display
on all available display stations. The operator cannot change the system during the IPL. Dedicated
service tools (DST) and the operating system do not present any displays during this IPL.
Use a normal mode (unattended) IPL to perform the following actions:
• Perform an IPL and run the system for most routine work
• Perform a remote IPL
• Turn on and perform an IPL by date and time

Manual (attended)
After power-on, operating the system in Manual (attended) mode means that an operator uses the
control panel to direct the system for special needs.
During manual mode IPL, DST and the operating system present menus and prompts that allow you to
make changes to the internal system environment. This can include entering debug mode for service
representatives to diagnose difficult problems.
Use the manual mode to perform an IPL and run the system to perform the following actions:
• Change IPL options (including system values)
• Install the operating system
• Load fixes (PTFs)
• Make some types of system hardware upgrades
• Use DST (for advanced users and service only)
• Problem diagnosis (for advanced users and service only)

Auto (automatic)
Use Auto mode for an automatic remote IPL, automatic IPL by date and time, and an automatic IPL
after a power failure.

Secure
Use Secure mode to prevent use of the control panel to perform an IPL. This mode is not a form of
IPL; it is a means to prevent an unauthorized or inadvertent IPL from the control panel.
Related concepts
Starting the system without making configuration changes (unattended IPL)
This is the most common way to start the system. Unattended initial program loads (IPLs) reset system
storage and recognize any configuration changes automatically.
Changing the system during IPL (attended IPL)
If you want to change initial program load (IPL) options, to install the operating system, to use dedicated
service tools, to work with logical partitions, or to recover from a system failure, you need to perform an
attended IPL. These situations might require you to enter information or change system values.
Changing operating modes and IPL types
By changing IPL types, you can perform an initial program load (IPL) from the load-source media or from
an alternate load source media. With this operation, you can apply fixes (PTFs). By changing the operating
mode, you have several options in controlling the IPL.
Solving problems with the automatic power schedule

Basic system operations 43

 If the power schedule is not working, use this topic for diagnosis.

Changing operating modes and IPL types

By changing IPL types, you can perform an initial program load (IPL) from the load-source media or from
an alternate load source media. With this operation, you can apply fixes (PTFs). By changing the operating
mode, you have several options in controlling the IPL.

Changing the IPL type and the operating mode for systems with a keystick
To change the IPL type and the operating mode for systems with a keystick, follow these steps:
1. Insert the keystick.
2. Use the Mode button to scroll through the four operating modes (Manual, Normal, Secure, and Auto)
and select the Manual mode.
Note: An indicator light on the control panel shows the active mode.
3. Use the Increment or Decrement button to select function 02 (only available in Manual mode), and
press the Enter button.
4. Use the Increment or Decrement button to select the required IPL type (A, B, C, or D) and press the
Enter button.

Changing the IPL type and the operating mode for systems without a keystick
To change the IPL type and the operating mode for systems without a keystick, follow these steps:
1. Use the Increment or Decrement button to select function 02, and press the Enter button.
2. Use the Increment or Decrement button to select the required IPL type (A, B, C, or D) and the
operating mode (either M=manual or N=normal), and press Enter.
Note: The control panel displays both the IPL type and the operating mode. For example, B_N
indicates a B type IPL in a normal mode.
Related concepts
IPL type
The IPL type determines which copy of programs your system uses during the initial program load (IPL).
Operating mode of an IPL
The operating mode determines the number of options that are presented to the operator for
consideration during and after the initial program load (IPL). It can also secure (lock) the control panel to
prevent an unauthorized or inadvertent IPL from the control panel.

Changing system values during IPL

System values control information that affects the operation of certain parts of the system. On the System
Value Commands display, you can change system values that affect initial program load (IPL) or other
areas of the system.
This display is shown when you type a Y (Yes) in the Define or change the system at IPL field on the IPL
Options display (see step 6).
To change system values during an IPL, follow these steps:
1. Select option 3 (System value commands) on the Define or Change System at IPL display.
2. Select option 3 (Work with system values).
3. Select option 2 (Change) on the Work with System Values display.
4. Type the new system value over the current value and press Enter.
5. Press F3 (Exit) to return to the System Value Commands display.
6. Press F3 (Exit) to return to the Define or Change the System at IPL display, and press F3 again to
continue the IPL.

44 IBM i: Basic system operations

Some system values that you change do not take effect until the next IPL, while others take effect
immediately.

Security considerations
To change system values, you must be signed on as QPGMR, QSYSOPR, or QSRV, or have all object
(*ALLOBJ) authority. Certain system values can be changed only by a security officer (someone with all
object (*ALLOBJ) and security administrator (*SECADM) special authorities).
Related concepts
System values that control IPL
You can use these system values to control the type of initial program load (IPL) and the way the system
performs an IPL. You can now work with all system values in System i Navigator.
Related tasks
Defining or changing the system at IPL
On the Define or Change the System at IPL display, you can change the system configuration, system
values, user profiles, and system, network, object, or file attributes during the initial program load (IPL).

Changing the IPL startup program

A startup program changes the system resources that are started during an initial program load (IPL).
The program also changes the resources and attributes assigned to the system resources that are started
during an IPL. Typically, subsystems, writers, and Operational Assistant are launched by this program.
The autostart job in the controlling subsystem transfers control to the program that is specified in the
startup program to set the QSTRUPPGM system value. You can tailor this program.
You can create your own program and change the Startup program to set up the QSTRUPPGM system
value to that program name. Or, you can use the program QSTRUP in the QSYS library as a base to create
your own program. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Use the Create Source Physical File (CRTSRCPF) command to create a source file, for example,
CRTSRCPF FILE(YOURLIB/YOURFILE).
2. Use the Retrieve CL Source (RTVCLSRC) command to retrieve the source of the program, for example,
RTVCLSRC PGM(QSYS/QSTRUP) SRCFILE(YOURLIB/YOURFILE).
3. Change the program.
4. Use the Create Control Language Program (CRTCLPGM) command to create the program, and then
save it to your own library.
5. Test the program to ensure that it works.
6. Change the Startup program to set up the QSTRUPPGM system value to the program name and library
you specified on the CRTCLPGM command.
Related concepts
Restart system values: Start-up program to set up system

Source for CL startup program

Here you can check the detailed source information for the CL Startup program.
Note: By using the code examples, you agree to the terms of the “Code license and disclaimer
information” on page 69.

Basic system operations 45

 Table 11. Source information for CL startup program
Object Command CL program source
QSTRUP CRTCLPGM
PGM
DCL VAR(&STRWTRS) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(1)
DCL VAR(&CTLSBSD) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(20)
DCL VAR(&CPYR) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(90) VALUE('+
5761-SS1 (C) COPYRIGHT IBM CORP 1980, 2016. +
LICENSED MATERIAL - PROGRAM PROPERTY OF IBM')

QSYS/STRSBS SBSD(QSERVER)
MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000)

QSYS/STRSBS SBSD(QUSRWRK)
MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000)

QSYS/RLSJOBQ JOBQ(QGPL/QS36MRT)
MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000)

QSYS/RLSJOBQ JOBQ(QGPL/QS36EVOKE)
MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000)

QSYS/STRCLNUP
MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000)

QSYS/RTVSYSVAL SYSVAL(QCTLSBSD) RTNVAR(&CTLSBSD)

IF ((&CTLSBSD *NE 'QCTL QSYS ') +
*AND (&CTLSBSD *NE 'QCTL QGPL ')) GOTO DONE

QSYS/STRSBS SBSD(QINTER)
MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000)

QSYS/STRSBS SBSD(QBATCH)
MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000)

QSYS/STRSBS SBSD(QCMN)
MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000)

DONE:

QSYS/STRSBS SBSD(QSPL)
MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000)

QSYS/RTVSYSVAL SYSVAL(QSTRPRTWTR) RTNVAR(&STRWTRS)

IF (&STRWTRS = '0') GOTO NOWTRS

CALL PGM(QSYS/QWCSWTRS)
MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000)

NOWTRS:

RETURN
CHGVAR VAR(&CPYR) VALUE(&CPYR)
ENDPGM

Startup program to set the (QSTRUPPGM) system value

The program to set the QSTRUPPGM system value is the startup program. The QSTRUPPGM system value
specifies the name of the program that is called from an autostart job when the controlling subsystem is
started. This program performs setup functions, such as starting subsystems and printers.
This system value can only be changed by the security officer or by someone with security officer
authority. A change to this system value takes effect the next time an initial program load (IPL) is
performed.
The QSTRUPPGM system value can have these values:
• QSTRUP QSYS: The program that is specified is run as a result of a transfer of control to it from the
autostart job in the controlling subsystem.
• *NONE: The autostart job ends normally without calling a program.
The default startup program QSTRUP in library QSYS performs the following actions:
• Starts the QSPL subsystem for spooled work

46 IBM i: Basic system operations

• Starts the QSERVER subsystem for file server work
• Starts the QUSRWRK subsystem for user work
• Releases the QS36MRT and QS36EVOKE job queues if they were held (these are used by the System/36
environment)
• Starts Operational Assistant cleanup, if allowed
• Starts all printer writers unless user specified not to on the IPL Options display
• If the controlling subsystem is QCTL, it starts the QINTER, QBATCH, and QCMN subsystems

Table 12. Details of the default startup program QSYS/QSTRUP

Type Length Shipped CL value
Character 20 QSTRUP QSYS

Scheduling a system shutdown and restart

You can set up a schedule that automatically turns your system on and off at the time of day you set. You
can also specify special circumstances that change the normal daily schedule, such as a holiday or special
closing.
For some systems, you might want to regularly schedule routine shutdowns and startups. The operating
system supports this function by allowing you to define a schedule that alerts users to an upcoming
shutdown, and then waits a predefined amount of time to allow users to finish their work and sign off.
For example, you can define a schedule that must shut down your system Friday night and start it again
Monday morning. The schedule also allows you to define a message that is sent to any signed-on users,
and to specify how long to wait between sending the message and beginning the shutdown sequence.
To work with a schedule, type go power on any command line.
Related concepts
Starting the system without making configuration changes (unattended IPL)
This is the most common way to start the system. Unattended initial program loads (IPLs) reset system
storage and recognize any configuration changes automatically.
Related tasks
Stopping the system
Turning off your system needs careful attention. If you turn off the system without following this topic,
data might be damaged, or the system might behave in unpredictable ways.

Displaying the power-on and power-off schedule

The power-on and power-off schedule ensures that the system is turned on and off at specific times
during the day or night. You can view this schedule.
To view this schedule, follow these steps:
1. On any command line, type go power and press Enter.
2. Select option 1 (Display power-on and power-off schedule) on the Power On and Off Tasks menu.
The power-on and power-off schedule shows the date, day, and time (using the 24-hour clock) that the
system will be turned on and off. The Description column includes comments about those days that have
been changed from the system's regular schedule. Any user can display this schedule.

Changing power-on and power-off schedule defaults

You can change the current settings for your schedule.
To set up your own power-on and power-off schedule, select option 2 (Change power on and power off
schedule) on the Power On and Off Tasks (POWER) menu. On the Change Power On/Off Schedule display,
press F10 (Change power on/off defaults).
On this display, you can change the first day of the week by typing a number in the First day of week field.
Also, the system automatically sends users a message telling them when the system will be turned off. In

Basic system operations 47

 the Minutes before turning off to send field, you can indicate the number of minutes before turning off
that you want the system to send this message.
When the system sends the power off message, you can delay the scheduled time for turning off from 30
minutes to 3 hours when you reply to the message. Then the system will wait the time specified before
turning off. You do not have another chance to delay the time.
For example, if you want the system turned on at 7:30 a.m. and off at 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and
Sundays, type the new times in the Default Power On and Default Power Off columns next to Saturday and
Sunday. When you press Enter, your changes are shown on the Display Power On/Off Schedule and the
Change Power On/Off Schedule displays.

Changing the power-on and power-off schedule for a single event

You can create a one-time scheduled shutdown and startup, without adjusting the default schedule.
Use the Change Power On/Off Schedule display to change the power-on and power-off schedule for a
single day.
For example, to change the startup and shutdown time for the company picnic on Wednesday, May 3,
follow these steps:
1. Type 14:30 in the Power Off column to turn the system off at 02:30 p.m. so the employees can attend
the picnic.
2. Type the reason for the change, Closing - Company picnic, in the Description column across from the
date and time and press Enter.
3. Type the start time 05:30 in the Power On column to turn the system back on Thursday, May 4.
To display the schedule starting on a different date, type the date you want to start with in the Start list at
field and press Enter. The information that is displayed begins with the date you specify.

Solving problems with the automatic power schedule

If the power schedule is not working, use this topic for diagnosis.
• Make sure that the Start Cleanup (STRCLNUP) command is part of your startup program.
• The automatic power scheduler uses a job called QSYSSCD to process the requests for schedule
changes. The Start Cleanup (STRCLNUP) command must be run to start the QSYSSCD job. The IBM-
supplied startup program includes the Start Cleanup (STRCLNUP) command. If you have your own
startup program from a previous release, it might not contain the Start Cleanup (STRCLNUP) command.
• Make sure that you specify Yes on the Change Cleanup (CHGCLNUP) command to allow automatic
cleanup. The QSYSSCD job will not start if you do not allow automatic cleanup.
• Make sure that the Start Cleanup (STRCLNUP) command submits the QSYSSCD job to the job queue
specified in the Change Cleanup (CHGCLNUP) command.
• Check to see if the QSYSSCD job is running; it could be on a held job queue.
• Make sure that the job queue to which the Start Cleanup (STRCLNUP) command is submitted has the
Maximum jobs parameter set to *NOMAX or a number greater than 1. Because the QSYSSCD job always
runs, the other jobs that perform automatic cleanup and turn-off functions are not able to start if the
Maximum jobs parameter is set to 1. To change the Maximum jobs parameter on the job queue entry,
use the Change Job Queue Entry (CHGJOBQE) command.
• Make sure that the mode is set to Normal or Auto.
Related concepts
Operating mode of an IPL

48 IBM i: Basic system operations

 The operating mode determines the number of options that are presented to the operator for
consideration during and after the initial program load (IPL). It can also secure (lock) the control panel to
prevent an unauthorized or inadvertent IPL from the control panel.

Causes of abnormal IPLs

These situations can cause an abnormal initial program load (IPL).
• Using the End Job Abnormal (ENDJOBABN) command. To see if this command has been used, look for
message CPC1124 in the job log.
• Using option 7 (Start a service tool) and then option 7 (Operator panel function) on the Dedicated
Service Tool (DST) menu.
• Using the Power button (on the control panel) instead of the Power Down System (PWRDWNSYS)
command.
• Displaying a power failure before all data is written from main storage to disk.
• Using any B900 xxxx system reference code (where xxxx is any number or letter) during the start of the
operating system phase of the IPL.
• Ending with a system reference code of B900 3F10, if the PWRDWNSYS command did not complete
processing.
• Causing the system to end by any function check in the controlling subsystem.
• Issuing a PWRDWNSYS command in the primary partition without first powering down secondary
partitions.
• The system going down when database recovery has not completed during the IPL.
Note: If the ENDJOBABN command is issued, message CPI0990 will be in QHST. For all other reasons,
message CPI091D will be in QHST stating why the IPL is abnormal.
Related information
Service and support

Signing on to the system

The IBM i operating system requires users to sign on to the system before they gain access to any
system functions. This provides an important measure of security and allows for each user's session to be
customized.
In addition to checking the password, the operating system uses the sign-on operation to access
the specified user profile. The operating system uses this profile to customize the displays, providing
consideration for the user's language and available functions.

Signing on to the system using System i Navigator

You can sign on to the system from System i Navigator. Then you can access functions on the system.
To sign on to the system from System i Navigator, follow these steps:
1. Select a system.
2. At the IBM i Signon prompt, enter your user ID and password.

Signing on to the system using the character-based interface

You can sign on to the system from the character-based interface. Then you can obtain access to system
functions.
To sign on to the system using the character-based interface, follow these steps:
1. Type your user ID and password and fill in any of the optional entry fields you want to use.
Use the Tab key to move the cursor from field to field on the display.
Notes:

Basic system operations 49

 • The Password field is displayed only if password security is active on the system.
• The top right corner of the Sign On displays the name of the system you are using, the subsystem the
system is using, and the display station identifier (ID).
2. Press Enter.
If this is an unattended IPL, one or more of the following displays is shown, depending on what options
you select on this display or what is defined in your user profile:
• The Main Menu is displayed.
• Another menu is displayed.
• A program or procedure is run.
• A current library is inserted into your library list.
If you specify a program or procedure to run and a menu to be displayed, the program or procedure is
run first and then the menu is shown.
After signing on, you can change your system password.
Now that your system is up and running, be aware of the following aspects:
• The Operational Assistant displays are now the default.
• The system cleanup functions are automatically started with default values.
• The Attention key program displays the Operational Assistant (ASSIST) menu (the default).

Changing your password

During the installation of the IBM i licensed program, you might need to enter the system password for the
initial program load (IPL) to continue.
When you install the IBM i licensed program, the licensed program runs a check to detect system model
changes, certain service conditions, and ownership changes.
If the licensed program detects these changes or conditions, you are prompted to enter the system
password before IPL can continue. If no changes or conditions are recognized, the IPL continues without
a request for the system password.
You must enter the correct system password to complete the IPL. If the system password is not
available, you or your service representative can temporarily bypass entering the system password for
a limited time. When the bypass period starts, immediately contact your marketing representative, who
will have IBM send you the correct system password. To order the system password, ask your marketing
representative to order nonstandard RPQ S40345 if you are in the United States, Asia-Pacific, Canada,
Latin America, or Japan. If you are in Europe, Middle East, or Asia, request nonstandard RPQ S40346.
Related concepts
Changing the system during IPL (attended IPL)
If you want to change initial program load (IPL) options, to install the operating system, to use dedicated
service tools, to work with logical partitions, or to recover from a system failure, you need to perform an
attended IPL. These situations might require you to enter information or change system values.

Changing the system password

You can change the system password during the initial program load (IPL).

• If you have just installed new hardware, you might need to change the system password during the
first IPL. To do this, follow these steps:
a) Select option 1 (Change the system password) on the Verification of System Password Failed
display.
The following system information about the Change the System Password display is shown:
– System serial number
– System type number

50 IBM i: Basic system operations

 – System model number
– System password version
– Processor card serial number
b) Type the password in the blank field and press Enter.
If you do not know the system password, press F12 (Cancel) and select option 2 (Bypass the
system password) on the Verification of System Password Failed display.
• To change the system password when your system is operational, follow these steps:
a) Perform an attended IPL.
b) Select option 1 (Change the system password) on the Verification of System Password Failed
display.
c) Type the password in the blank field and press Enter.

Bypassing the system password

You can use the Verification of System Password Failed display to bypass the system password.
Bypass the system password in these situations:
• You do not know or cannot find the system password.
• You guess the system password and get a message stating that the password you entered is incorrect.
Note: If you type the password incorrectly five times, you must perform the initial program load (IPL)
again.
To bypass the system password during the first IPL, follow these steps:
1. Select option 2 (Bypass the system password) on the Verification of System Password Failed display.
2. Read the information about the Bypass the System Password display.
Remember to contact your marketing representative immediately to obtain the system password
before the bypass period runs out.
3. Press F9 (Bypass) to continue the IPL.
When the IPL has finished, you will receive hourly messages that tell how much time is left in the bypass
period.
When you receive the password, you can enter it by following these steps:
• Perform an attended IPL and select option 1 (Change the system password) on the Verification of
System Password Failed display.
• Perform an attended IPL and select option 1 (Change the system password) on the Bypass Period has
Ended display.

Stopping the system

Turning off your system needs careful attention. If you turn off the system without following this topic,
data might be damaged, or the system might behave in unpredictable ways.
Before you turn off your system, complete the following steps:
1. Make sure that all batch jobs are finished and that users are signed off the system.
a) Send a message that interrupts all users that are signed on to the system, telling them to sign off.
To do this, follow these steps:
i) On any command line, type GO MANAGESYS and press Enter.
ii) Select option 12 (Work with signed-on users) on the Manage Your System, Users, and Devices
(MANAGESYS) menu.
Note: If the Work with User Jobs display is shown, you need to switch to basic assistance level
using F21 (Select assistance level).
iii) Press F10 (Send message to all) on the Work with Signed-On Users display.

Basic system operations 51

 iv) Type the message in the Message text field on the Send a Message display and press F10
(Send).
b) Wait for the users to sign off.
c) Check to make sure that all users have signed off by pressing F5 (Refresh) on the Work with
Signed-On Users display.
When everyone is signed off the system, the display shows only your job. To sign someone off the
system, use option 4 (Sign off).
Note: If you have separate interactive subsystems other than the controlling subsystem, you might
want to stop the interactive subsystems when the users have signed off. This prevents them from
signing on again before you stop the system. To work with each active subsystem in the system,
use the Work with Subsystems (WRKSBS) command. To end the specified subsystem (or all active
subsystems), use the End Subsystem (ENDSBS) command.
2. Check the status of any batch jobs that might be affected if the system is powered down.
a) On any command line, type GO MANAGESYS and press Enter.
b) Select option 11 (Work with jobs) on the Manage Your System, Users, and Devices (MANAGESYS)
menu.
Note: If the Work with User Jobs display is shown, you need to switch to basic assistance level
using F21.
c) Press F14 (Select other jobs) on the Work with Jobs display.
d) Type *all in the User field.
e) Type an N in every field except the Message waiting, Running, and Running job held fields.
The Work with Jobs display is shown again with the batch jobs listed.
f) If any job queues have jobs waiting to run, press F22 (Work with job queues) to see the Work with
Job Queues display.
g) Hold any job queues that have jobs waiting to run on the Work with Job Queues display. Release
these job queues when you start the system again.
h) Press F12 (Cancel) to return to the Work with Jobs display.
i) Press F5 (Refresh) every few minutes until all batch jobs have completed processing.
3. Check for removable media.
a) Check to see if there are any tapes in any tape units or CD-ROMs in any optical units.
b) Remove any tapes or CD-ROM currently in the unit.
The IBM i operating system provides several ways to safely turn off your system:
• Use the Power Down System (PWRDWNSYS) command to either perform a controlled shutdown
operation or to shut down the system immediately.
• You can stop the system using the Power On and Off Tasks (POWER) menu. To get to the Power On and
Off Tasks menu, type go power on any command line and press Enter.
• You can set up a schedule that automatically turns your system on and off. You can determine the time
of day that you want the system turned on and off. You can also specify special circumstances that
change the normal daily schedule, such as a holiday or special closing.
• In emergencies you can stop the system by using the Power button. However, using the Power button
might cause errors with your data files and other objects on the system.
Related concepts
Scheduling a system shutdown and restart
You can set up a schedule that automatically turns your system on and off at the time of day you set. You
can also specify special circumstances that change the normal daily schedule, such as a holiday or special
closing.
Subsystems, job queues, and memory pools

52 IBM i: Basic system operations

You can control work on the system by working with the resources used to process jobs. Subsystems, job
queues, and memory pools are the basic parts of work management. You can work with subsystems and
job queues to manage specific jobs or to adjust the system's work flow.
Controlled shutdown concepts
Related tasks
Normal control panel functions
These instructions show how to use normal control panel functions 01 through 49. Functions 21 through
49 are available when you select the Manual mode.
Related reference
Power Down System (PWRDWNSYS) command
Related information
Work with Subsystems (WRKSBS) command
End Subsystem (ENDSBS) command

Turning off the system immediately

Regardless of the system mode, you can stop the system by using the Power Down System
(PWRDWNSYS) command on any command line.
Type PWRDWNSYS and press F4 to view the power down options. You must have QSYSOPR authority to
use the Power Down System (PWRDWNSYS) command. If this command does not work on your system,
use the following methods.

Turning off the system immediately

1. Type go power on any command line to display the Power on and Off Tasks (POWER) menu.
2. Select option 3 (Power off the system immediately) if you want to keep the power off until the next
time the system is scheduled to power on.
3. Press F16 (Confirm) to confirm your choice to turn off the system immediately. An immediate
shutdown occurs, which causes the subsystems to end all active jobs.

Turning off the system and restart immediately

1. Select option 4 (Power off the system immediately and then power on) on the Power On and Off Tasks
(POWER) menu.
2. Press F16 (Confirm) to confirm your choice. The system stops running and then starts again
automatically.
Notes:
1. Do not turn the modem on or off when the system is turned off and is made ready for remote initial
program load (IPL). Otherwise, the system might start unexpectedly, although it turns itself off in a few
minutes.
2. If you stop the system using the automatic power schedule or one of the options on the Power On
and Off Tasks (POWER) menu, the IPL date and time system value (QIPLDATTIM) is checked and, if
necessary, reset to the next scheduled power-on time. This checking does not occur if you turn off the
system in another way, so the system might not turn on automatically. To force the power schedule to
update the Date and time (QIPLDATTIM) system value, enter the following command on any command
line: CHGPWRSCDE DAY(*TODAY) PWRONTIME(*SAME) PWROFFTIME(*SAME)

Basic system operations 53

 Using the Power button
If you cannot use option 3 (Power off the system immediately) or option 4 (Power off the system
immediately and then power on) on the Power On and Off Tasks (POWER) menu to stop the system,
you can turn off the system using the Power button when the mode is set to Manual.
Note: Using the Power button to turn off the system might cause results that cannot be predicted in your
data files, and the next initial program load (IPL) will take longer to complete. Using the Power button to
turn off the system will turn off all logical partitions.
Make sure that there are no tapes in the tape units or diskettes in the diskette units, and that the mode is
set to Manual.
Do not turn the modem on or off when the system is turned off and is made ready for remote IPL.
Otherwise, the system might start unexpectedly, although it turns itself off in a few minutes.
To turn off the system using the Power button, follow these steps:
1. On the control panel, press the Power button.
The Function/Data display flashes with 0 (the international turn off symbol).
2. Press the Power button again.
The Power On light flashes as the system is being turned off. When the system is completely turned off,
the light goes off.
Note: If the system does not turn the power off within 30 minutes, wait for the System Attention
light to come on. When the System Attention light comes on, go to Service and support, and
Troubleshooting and follow the steps necessary to solve the problem.

System values that control IPL

You can use these system values to control the type of initial program load (IPL) and the way the system
performs an IPL. You can now work with all system values in System i Navigator.
To work with system values in System i Navigator, select your system > Configuration and Service >
System Values.
If you do not have a System i Navigator connection, you can still use these system values through the
character-based interface. From the character-based interface, change or display these values using the
Work with System Values (WRKSYSVAL) command.

Allow scheduled restart (QIPLDATTIM)

The Allow scheduled restart (QIPLDATTIM) system value sets the date and time for a scheduled restart.
From System i Navigator, select your system > Configuration and Service > System Values > Restart >
General.
To set the date and time format, use the Date and Time (QDATFMT, QDATSEP, QTIMSEP) system values.

Previous restart type (QIPLSTS)

The Previous restart type system value displays the way the system performed the last IPL. You cannot
change this system value.
From System i Navigator, select your system > Configuration and Service > System Values > Restart >
Previous. When needed, use the help associated with the display.

Operator panel restart (0) The restart operation occurred when requested
from the operator panel or from Dedicated Service
Tools (DST) for a secondary partition.

54 IBM i: Basic system operations

Automatic restart after power restored (1) The restart operation occurred automatically when
power was restored after a power failure. You can
specify this type of restart operation in the Restart
options on the General page.
Restart (2) The restart operation occurred when a user
requested turning off the system and restarting it.
Time-of-day restart (3) The restart operation occurred automatically on
the date and time specified for Scheduled restart
on the General page.
Remote restart (4) A remote restart operation occurred. You can
specify this type of restart operation in the Restart
options on the General page.

Type of restart (QIPLTYPE)

The Type of restart system value defines the type of IPL the system performs from the control panel.
From System i Navigator, select your system > Configuration and Service > System Values > Restart >
General. When needed, use the help associated with the display.

Unattended (0) An unattended IPL. No displays requiring user

interaction are shown during the restart. The
normal signon display is shown when the restart
is complete. If the system is in manual mode, an
attended IPL is performed instead.
Attended (1) An attended IPL. Start the system with an operator.
All dedicated service tools functions are available
along with the full set of restart displays. An
unattended IPL is done if it is done remotely, by
date and time, or after power failure.
Attended, console in debug mode (2) An attended IPL in debug mode. Restarts the
system and leaves the controller QCTL and device
QCONSOLE varied on. Select this only for problem
analysis, as it prevents other devices on the
workstation controller from being used.

Automatically restart after power failure (QPWRRSTIPL)

With the Automatically restart after power failure system value, you can specify whether to enable the
system to automatically restart when a power failure occurs.
From System i Navigator, select your system > Configuration and Service > System Values > Restart >
General. When needed, use the help associated with the display.

Not selected (0) Does not do an automatic restart after a power

failure.
Selected (1) Does an automatic restart after a power failure.

Allow remote power-on and restart (QRMTIPL)

Use the Allow remote power-on and restart system value to start the remote system by using your
telephone and a modem or the system power control network (SPCN) signal. This means that any
telephone call causes the system to restart.

Basic system operations 55

 From System i Navigator, select your system > Configuration and Service > System Values > Restart >
General. When needed, use the help associated with the display.

Not selected (0) Does not allow a remote restart.

Selected (1) Allows a remote restart.

When power failure occurs (QUPSDLYTIM)

The When power failure occurs (QUPSDLYTIM) system value controls the length of time the system waits
before saving main storage and turning off the system. If utility power is restored before the time ends,
the system ends the timer. If the timer ends first, the system begins to save main storage or goes into
continuously powered main storage (CPM).
From System i Navigator, select your system > Configuration and Service > System Values > Power
Control > General.
There are five choices for the QUPSDLYTIM value.

Automatically power down the entire system (0) The system automatically turns down when system
utility power fails.
Power down system after time interval Specifies the delay time in seconds before the
(1-99999) utility power fails.
Power down system, retain power on main tower Turns down only the processor, I/O processor
(*BASIC) cards, and load source storage. The appropriate
wait time, in seconds, is calculated. (This must be
used only if you have the battery power unit or an
uninterruptable power supply without every rack
being connected.)
Power down system, system calculates delay The appropriate wait time (in seconds) is
time (*CALC) calculated. This value must be used only if you
have a 9402 or 9404 system with a battery power
unit.
Do not automatically power down system *NOMAX is used when a user supplied program
(*NOMAX) is controlling the turning down of the system or a
generator is providing unlimited power. The system
does not start any action on its own.

Message queue and library (QUPSMSGQ)

Use the Message queue and library system value to specify where you want your messages sent when the
power to the system is interrupted. The default values are QSYSOPR for the message queue and QSYS for
the library.
From System i Navigator, select your system > Configuration and Service > System Values > Power
Control > General. When needed, use the help associated with the display.
This system value sends the messages to the system operator's message queue when power to the
system is interrupted.

Message queue Specifies another message queue (in addition to

the system operator's message queue) where
messages are sent when power to the system is
interrupted.
Library Specifies the library where the other message
queue is located.

56 IBM i: Basic system operations

 Related concepts
Starting the system without making configuration changes (unattended IPL)
This is the most common way to start the system. Unattended initial program loads (IPLs) reset system
storage and recognize any configuration changes automatically.
Changing the system during IPL (attended IPL)
If you want to change initial program load (IPL) options, to install the operating system, to use dedicated
service tools, to work with logical partitions, or to recover from a system failure, you need to perform an
attended IPL. These situations might require you to enter information or change system values.
Changing system values during IPL
System values control information that affects the operation of certain parts of the system. On the System
Value Commands display, you can change system values that affect initial program load (IPL) or other
areas of the system.
Restart system values: Allow scheduled restart
Restart system values: Previous restart type
Restart system values: Type of restart
Restart system values: Automatically restart after power failure
Restart system values: Allow remote power-on and restart
Power control system values: When power failure occurs
Power control system values: Message queue and library
Related tasks
International system values: Date and time (QDATFMT, QDATSEP, QTIMSEP)

IBM i concepts
IBM i is the operating system for the IBM i platform. It manages hardware and software resources, and
provides an interface that you can use to work with the system. To best use the operating system, you
need to be familiar with some system concepts.

Basic work management

Jobs All work done by the operating system is divided into units called jobs. Learn about the
types of jobs, and how to find, monitor, and work with them on the system.
Subsystems, Control work on the system by working with the resources used to process jobs.
queues, and
memory
pools
Objects Everything on the system that can be worked with is considered an object. Objects
provide a common interface for working with system components. Learn about the
different kinds of objects and how to work with them.

System maintenance
Logs and Record keeping is an important way for the system to protect data and track system
journals problems. Learn what logs and journals are for and how to use them.
Software Recent versions of IBM i software add functions and solve known problems. Learn how to
fixes install and manage software and software updates.

Additional reference information can be found in the IBM glossary.

Related reference
i5/OS glossary

Basic system operations 57

Messages
Messages are communications sent from another user, from the operating system, or from an application.
Messages are communications that are sent from a person, a program, or the operating system to
a message queue. Every user profile and workstation has a message queue associated with it. All
message queues are named after the user or workstation that they are associated with, and get created
automatically when the user signs on to the system for the first time, or when the workstation is first
defined. The message queue for the QSYSOPR profile is particularly important because the system sends
many messages about job completion and system status to the QSYSOPR message queue.

Working with messages

You can use System i Navigator to display, reply to, and send messages. To work with messages, expand
Basic Operations, and click Messages. System i Navigator displays all the messages for either your
message queue, or a specified message queue. To reply to, delete, or view the properties for a specific
message, right-click the message and select the required action. To send a message, right-click Messages
in System i Navigator, and click Send a message.
Also, your system administrator can set up a message monitor in System i Navigator to watch for and
handle messages.
Related concepts
Details: Message queues
Scenario: Message monitor

IBM i commands
The operating system uses control language (CL) commands to interpret instructions from users. You
need to know the basic rules for using CL, and how to get detailed help for any CL command.
CL provides a powerful and flexible means of entering commands on the system. You can use CL to
control most of the operating system functions by entering them from the character-based interface, by
including them in programs, or by sending commands in System i Navigator. While the IBM i menu system
and CL commands might be unfamiliar at first, they follow an easy-to-use syntax, and the operating
system includes many features to help you use them successfully.

CL command syntax
CL commands consist of a verb, an object, and sometimes an adjective; for example, WRKACTJOB:

Verb Adjective Object

WRK ACT JOB
Work Active Job

One of the important features of CL syntax is that it is consistent. For example, regardless of the object or
command you want to work with, using the verb WRK in the command starts a menu that allows you to
perform the available actions on the specified object.

Entering CL commands
You can enter CL commands from System i Navigator by selecting Run a command from the taskpad. In
System i Navigator, a taskpad is a view of system tasks that lets a user interact with operating system
functions. It contains a set of interrelated tasks that either perform a function or launch help that explains
how to perform a function. Alternatively, you can enter CL commands from any command line and most
displays on the character-based interface.
Every command has a set of required and optional parameters. For example, Create Library (CRTLIB)
requires, at a minimum, that you specify the name of the library that you want to create. The syntax

58 IBM i: Basic system operations

for more complex CL commands is command_name parameter (value). For example, CRTLIB LIB (FRED)
enters the verb create on the object type library, and specifies that the required parameter LIB, the library
name, must have the value FRED. This command causes the operating system to create a library called
FRED.
If you are not familiar with the parameters associated with a CL command, you can enter the command
with the parameters you already know, place the cursor on the command, and press F4 (Prompt).
The system then displays the available options for the command. Entering a command without any
parameters also causes the system to prompt you for any required fields, making field-level help
available. For example, entering CRTLIB causes the system to show the following display.

Entering a ? in any field brings up detailed help for that parameter.

Getting help with CL commands

The operating system provides several methods for helping users access and enter CL commands. The
Command Entry program provides a useful interface and additional help. You can start this program by
entering CALL QCMD from a command line. The CL finder in the information center can also help you find
a specific command. Most importantly, remember that entering a command without any parameters, or
pressing F4 (Prompt) while your cursor is over the command, displays a menu with detailed help for all
associated parameters.
Related concepts
Using system interfaces
Depending on the type of connection to the system and the task you need to perform, several options are
available for system interfaces. You can access and use your system by the System i® Navigator interface,
by the character-based interface, and by wireless clients.
Objects
Everything on the system that can be worked with is considered an object. Objects provide a common
interface for working with system components. This topic discusses the different kinds of objects and how
to work with them.
Related reference
Control language
CL commands that operate on i5/OS objects
Related information
CL command finder

Basic system operations 59

Security and user authority
The operating system determines which resources users might access based on information in their user
profiles and the security strategy implemented for this system.
Security is a critical part of system operations. It is built into the operating system, and impacts nearly
every function on the system. The IBM i security environment determines the commands and functions
available to users, and the objects they can access.
Typically the security strategy restricts the objects a user can access. For systems with object-level
security, there are several ways to provide authority to access objects. Often, user profiles will explicitly
grant types of access to specific objects. To simplify the task of managing all these permissions,
authorization lists can specify groups of objects, and users can be given access to these lists. Accessing
these lists then provides access to all of the objects the list specifies.
The level of system security and other more detailed security practices often affect system operations.
The following concepts are important for understanding user requirements in various security
environments.

Security The operating system operates in one of several predefined levels of security. The
levels security level currently in effect determines the level of detail that user profiles must
provide to grant appropriate access to system resources. This level of detail can range
from simple password management to explicitly providing a level of access to each object
that a user can read or change.
Security Many more detailed aspects of system security are set by the system values. These
system system values set the security level, and grant or restrict options like adopted authority.
values
User profiles The user profile contains most of the authorizations and preferences for individual users
or groups. You can use System i Navigator to create and manage users and groups across
the system.
Authorizatio You can create authorization lists that specify groups of objects. Users and groups can
n lists then be authorized to this list, granting them authority to everything that list contains.

Also, security settings regarding policies and authorization lists are available in System i Navigator under
Security.
Related concepts
System values

Authority to access objects

Depending on the security level and other security settings, users might be given several levels of access
to objects on the system.

Table 13. Levels of accessing authority

Access Description
All object Grants unrestricted access to every object on the system.
Object Grants access to specified objects.
Object data Grants access to the data contained in specified objects.
public Grants default access to public objects

Assume that a user needs authorization to add, change and delete data in a database, but does not need
to delete tables or the database itself. The user can be granted object data-level authority, rather than
object-level authority.

60 IBM i: Basic system operations

Note: Adopted authority will grant users access to objects called by an object they are working with.
Administrators can allow or restrict adopted authority with security system values.

Security levels
The operating system operates in one of several predefined levels of security. The security level currently
in effect determines the level of detail that user profiles must provide to grant appropriate access to
system resources. This level of detail can range from simple password management to explicitly providing
a level of access to each object that a user can read or change.
Security on your system is arranged in a series of levels or classes, each offering a greater degree of
security and protection of your data than the previous. Select the level that best meets the needs of your
organization.
You can use System i Navigator to change these settings on a single system or across multiple systems.
Level 20
This level is referred to as password security. That is, users must have a password and user ID that
is recognized by your system to gain access to the system. Both the user ID and initial password are
created for users by the system administrator.
This level of security offers all users on the system total authority to do anything they want. That
means they can access all data, files, objects, and so on, on your system. This might be appropriate
for small businesses where internal security is a low priority, but will likely be inappropriate for
larger businesses that do not want every employee to be able to access confidential payroll files, for
example.
Level 30
This level is referred to as resource security. That is, users must have a valid user ID and password
defined for them by the system administrator, and no longer have automatic access to everything on
the system. User access is limited by the security policies of the business.
Level 40
This level is referred to as system integrity security. That is, at this level, the system itself is protected
against users. User-written programs cannot directly access the internal control blocks through
pointer manipulation.
Level 40 is the default security level for every new installation.
Level 50
This level is referred to as enhanced system integrity security. Level 50 is the recommended level of
security for most businesses, because it offers the highest level of security currently possible. Not
only is the system protected against user-written programs, but it ensures that users only have access
to data on the system, rather than information about the system itself. This offers greater security
against anyone attempting to learn about your system.
Related information
Planning and setting up system security
Security reference

User profiles
The user profile contains most of the authorizations and preferences for individual users or groups. With
System i Navigator, you can create and manage users and groups across the system.
User profiles contain the information that the system requires to allow users to sign on to a system,
to access their own customized session, including their own message and output queue, and to access
functions and objects to which they have been granted authority.
A user profile includes:
• A system user profile name
• The user's privileges and limitations

Basic system operations 61

 • A list of objects the user owns or is authorized to use
• A reference to a message queue
• A reference to an output queue
• Information about which groups the user is a member of (up to 16)
• Information about the user's last sign-on
• Job attributes, such as description and priority, the initial program to call, and the initial library list
• National language settings
• Other attributes, such as the user ID (UID), group ID (GID), and home directory
User profiles can be included in group profiles. In this way, all group members share attributes, access to
specific objects, and ownership of objects. Group profiles can simplify many user administration tasks by
allowing you to apply a single change to many users.
System i Navigator's user administration function provides convenient ways to manage users and groups
across the system.

Working with user profiles

Use System i Navigator to create and manage user profiles and groups if your own user profile has the
required authority. Expand Users and groups to create and manage user profiles. Additionally, you can
use this function to perform some common actions on a selected user, such as sending a message, and
working with that user's jobs and objects.
Related concepts
Managing users and groups with Management Central

Authorization lists
Authorization lists consist of a list of users or groups, the type of authority (use, change, and exclude) for
each user or group, and a list of objects to which this list provides access.
Providing each user with explicit access to every object the user needs to work with might create a great
deal of duplicated effort because many users need to access the same group of objects. A much easier
way to provide this access is to create authorization lists. Users and groups can then be authorized to this
list, which grants them authority to everything that the list contains.
To work with authorization lists, open Security in System i Navigator and select Authorization lists.
For example, an authorization list can be created to contain a list of objects related to an inventory
database. A user responsible for ordering new inventory items can be granted authority to see the
contents of the database objects. Additionally, a user group in shipping and receiving needs to update this
database as parts come in and out of stock. This group can have authority to change the contents of the
objects.

Files and file systems

Files and file systems present information about database file management, spooled files, tape files, and
the integrated file system capabilities of the IBM i platform.

Integrated file system

Files in the operating system are significantly different from their counterparts in the UNIX and Windows
operating systems. In the operating system, a file is another kind of object on your system. Each file has
a description that describes its characteristics and how the data associated with the file is organized.
Whenever the operating system processes a file, it uses this description.
In addition to differences in handling files, the operating system also uses unique structures to store the
files and other objects on the system. However, the integrated file system in System i Navigator might look

62 IBM i: Basic system operations

 familiar to people who are used to a hierarchy based on the Windows operating system. UNIX users might
recognize some elements of this hierarchy, as well as the presence of file pointers.
You can access the integrated file system in System i Navigator. With the integrated file system, you can
find, change, and copy files and libraries on your system by navigating through a hierarchy that is similar
to Windows Explorer. You can use the integrated file system to copy data files onto your client PC.

Database file management

Learn about traditional file management functions that your application uses in creating and accessing
data on the system and in ensuring the integrity of the data. File management is the part of the operating
system that controls the storing and accessing of traditional file objects (*FILE objects in the QSYS.LIB
library) on the system.

Spooled files
Spooling is a system function that saves data in a database file for later processing or printing. With
spooled files, you can manage your data files on attached devices, such as a diskette or printer.

Tape files
Tape files are device files that provide access to attached tape devices. The Tape files topic collection
describes the characteristics and use of tape device files for application programs. This topic also
provides information about storing and accessing data from a tape device, and conceptual information
about tape, tape data files, and tape device files.
Related concepts
Objects
Everything on the system that can be worked with is considered an object. Objects provide a common
interface for working with system components. This topic discusses the different kinds of objects and how
to work with them.
Database file management
Securing the integrated file system
Related information
Spooled files and output queues

IBM i restricted state

At times, it is necessary to place the operating system in restricted state. This is a concept unique to the
operating system and must only be performed when necessary.
Restricted state is a condition that occurs when all subsystems are ended, either manually or
automatically by the system. When the operating system is in restricted state, most jobs cannot be active,
and users cannot connect to the system. You need to ensure that information is saved and that other
systems, such as a Windows server, are properly powered down before putting the operating system in
restricted state. If not, there is a high risk that you will lose data.
The following examples show the most common tasks that require or highly recommend restricted state
status:
Performing a full system backup
When a full system backup is performed, the operating system is automatically placed in restricted
state. Restricted status is required because the system requires sole access to everything it is backing
up.
Saving multiple items
You should put the operating system in a restricted state when backing up multiple items, such as
libraries, documents, directories, and storage. As was previously stated, the system requires sole
access to each object it is backing up. If the system is not in restricted state and someone is using a
library when the system tries to back it up, the save operation will not complete successfully.

Basic system operations 63

 Software installation and upgrade
At various points during a software installation or upgrade, the operating system is required to be in a
restricted state. During these procedures, you are given instructions on how to do this.
There are many more situations where certain tasks require that you perform this operation. The
individual tasks will include specific requirements and instructions. When required, you can place the
operating system in restricted state by entering the following command at a command line, type ENDSBS
SBS(*ALL) OPTION(*CNTRLD) DELAY(600) and press Enter.
Notes:
• For the Delay parameter, specify a number of seconds that allows your system time to bring most jobs
to a normal end. On a large, busy system, you might need a longer delay. For more information, use the
online command help.
• The End System command (ENDSYS) will also put the system into restricted state.
The system sends messages to the QSYSOPR message queue. These messages indicate that the
subsystems ended, and that the system is in the restricted state.

Jobs
All work done by the operating system is divided into units called jobs. Jobs are how the operating system
organizes, tracks, and processes work.
A job typically includes all of the information the system requires to complete a specific task. This
information might include data files, programs, and instructions for processing and tracking the job
throughout its processing. Jobs vary greatly in their complexity, ranging from simple tasks, like printing
a specified document, to complex procedures, like generating reports based on information spread
throughout the system. Tracking and managing jobs is an important part of normal system operation.
Jobs are an essential part of work management. To learn more about how jobs are processed, including
working with subsystems and job queues, see The structure of your system. For an example of how jobs
move through the system, see A job's life.

Working with jobs

You can work with jobs in System i Navigator. Jobs in the Basic Operations folder displays all the jobs
associated with the current user. To display other jobs, right-click the Jobs folder, and select Customize
this view > Include. The Server Jobs - Include window allows you to limit the list of server jobs displayed
in the System i Navigator window to those that meet the criteria you specify.
Alternately, you can see the jobs submitted by the system by clicking Work Management > Server jobs,
or view the jobs currently being processed by clicking Work Management > Active jobs.
The following display shows the jobs in System i Navigator.

64 IBM i: Basic system operations

 Figure 3. Job display in System i Navigator

After finding the jobs you want to work with, you can display their attributes or change their queue,
priority, messages, and other features by right-clicking the job and clicking Properties. Additionally, your
system administrator might decide to set up a job monitor to work with some jobs.
Related concepts
Managing jobs
Related tasks
Creating a new monitor

Subsystems, job queues, and memory pools

You can control work on the system by working with the resources used to process jobs. Subsystems, job
queues, and memory pools are the basic parts of work management. You can work with subsystems and
job queues to manage specific jobs or to adjust the system's work flow.
To efficiently use system resources, different types of jobs require different processing instructions and
system resources. To meet this need, the operating system creates unique operating environments called
subsystems. Each subsystem has a set of system resources, especially a memory pool, that determines
how quickly it can process jobs. Subsystems also have unique processing instructions and, in many cases,
at least one associated job queue. The job queues hold incoming jobs from the users or applications until
an associated subsystem has available resources. The job then moves from its queue into the subsystem
where it is processed based on the instructions and resources available to that subsystem. Finally, any
output that results from job processing gets handled and routed by the instructions in the job description.
During this process, you might want to monitor a job's progress or adjust its priority. Also, if the system is
having trouble processing certain types of jobs, you might need to adjust the subsystems resources.

Basic system operations 65

 Working with subsystems, job queues and memory pools
With System i Navigator, you can view subsystem properties, view job queues that are in use by an active
subsystem, start and stop a subsystem, and adjust memory pools. These functions are available under
Work Management in System i Navigator. However, some subsystem commands are only available from
the character-based interface.
Related concepts
The structure of your system
A job's life
Subsystems
Memory pools
Managing subsystems
Managing memory pools
Related tasks
Stopping the system
Turning off your system needs careful attention. If you turn off the system without following this topic,
data might be damaged, or the system might behave in unpredictable ways.

Objects
Everything on the system that can be worked with is considered an object. Objects provide a common
interface for working with system components. This topic discusses the different kinds of objects and how
to work with them.
One of the differences between the IBM i operating system and other operating systems is the concept
of objects. Anything that you can change in the operating system is a type of object. For example,
data files, programs, libraries, queues, user profiles, and device descriptions are all types of objects. By
treating everything as an object, the operating system can provide all of these items with an interface that
defines what actions users can perform, and how the operating system needs to treat the encapsulated
data. Additionally, this interface allows for standardized commands across different system elements; the
commands for working with user profiles and data files are similar.
One important type of object is the library. Libraries are essentially containers, or organizational
structures for other objects, and you can use libraries to reference other objects on your system. Libraries
can contain many objects, and can be associated with a specific user profile or application. The only
library that can contain other libraries is called QSYS. It contains all other libraries on the system.
There are many different types of objects in the operating system. Finding objects and performing actions
on them are basic functions of system operations.
Related concepts
IBM i commands
The operating system uses control language (CL) commands to interpret instructions from users. You
need to know the basic rules for using CL, and how to get detailed help for any CL command.
Files and file systems
Files and file systems present information about database file management, spooled files, tape files, and
the integrated file system capabilities of the IBM i platform.
i5/OS objects
CL commands that operate on i5/OS objects

Logs and journals

Protecting the data and system resources is a critical part of the operating system. One important way
that the IBM i operating system accomplishes that goal is to keep detailed records of any changes to

66 IBM i: Basic system operations

 system resources. These records, called logs or journals, can help solve system problems or recover
damaged data.

Logs
A log is a database file that contains the history of backup, archive, recovery, and media management
operations that can be displayed online or printed for future reference. Logs are used in backup and
recovery situations. Logs can also contain information about jobs, general system information, and
problems.

Table 14. Types of logs

Log Description
Job logs Track the description, status, and action of jobs performed by the system.
History logs Get general system information, like device changes, operator messages, job completion
and other activities.
Problem logs Retrieve records of system problems that occurred on a system.

Journals
A journal is a system object that contains information about changes made to another system object.
The journal can be used to recover database files, data areas, data queues, and integrated file systems
objects. Regular journaling speeds up management tasks such as save operations.
Related concepts
Job logs
History logs
Problem logs
Journal management
Related information
Recovering your system PDF

Software fixes
You can use fixes to install and manage software and software updates.
IBM supports several different releases of the operating system, and businesses might have several
systems running different versions. This can cause some system operations to be more complex; different
versions of the operating system can contain new or changed functions and features. Moreover, IBM
provides updates to the operating system and other programs between releases in sets of program
temporary fixes (PTFs), also known as fixes. The PTFs that have been applied to a system can also affect
system operations. System i Navigator provides ways to manage the software and fixes across a business.
Related concepts
Maintaining and managing i5/OS and related software
PTF Maintenance Strategy

Printing the system configuration list

The system configuration list is a printed record of your system contents. You need to know your system
configuration when you plan to install or change any hardware or software and when you recover from a
disaster or evaluate the results of a major system change.
You must configure Service Tools user IDs before starting SST. For more information about how to
configure a user ID, see Managing service tools user IDs using DST and SST.
Your user ID must have Hardware Service Manager authority.

Basic system operations 67

 To print the system configuration list, follow these steps:
1. Start System Service Tools (SST).
On any command line, type STRSST (Start System Service Tools) and press Enter.
2. Sign on to SST with your user ID.
3. Select option 1 (Start a service tool).
4. Select option 7 (Hardware Service Manager).
5. Use the Print function key (F6) on the Hardware Service Manager display to request a printout.
The Print Format Options display appears. You can sort the information by location or by logical
address.
Notes:
• The logical address sort and location sort are available only in 132-character width.
• The logical hardware and the packaging hardware have unique resource names.
To collect more details about the system configuration list, you can select the Print function key from
a display other than the Hardware Service Manager display, but the system prints only the information
that appears on the display.
To display or print details that include descriptions about the system bus, main storage, or processor,
follow these steps:
a) Select the Logical Hardware Resources option.
b) On the Logical Hardware Resources display, select one of the following options to display details:
• System bus resources
• Processor resources
• Main storage resources
Your system configuration list prints on the printer that you specified.
The printout consists of the following sections:
• System information, which includes the system type, model, serial number, and release.
• Packaging hardware resource information, which includes the resource name, type and model, serial
number, part number, frame ID, card position, and device position.
• Logical hardware resource information, which includes the resource name, type and model, serial
number, and logical address.
• A legend, which includes the descriptions of the indicators and logical address format information.
Use the legend to help you interpret the information.

Analyzing and reporting system problems

System problems are carefully tracked and managed in the operating system. When the system detects
a problem, it generates a problem record and sends a message to the system operator message queue
(QSYSOPR).
Familiarity with this process and the ability to perform basic troubleshooting and problem handling
procedures are a basic part of system operations.
Related concepts
How your system manages problems
Analyzing and handling problems
Overview: Reporting problems
Service and support
Troubleshooting

68 IBM i: Basic system operations

Related information for basic system operations
IBM Redbooks publications and other information center topic collections contain information that relates
to the Basic system operations topic collection. You can view or print any of the PDF files.

IBM Redbooks

Printing VI: Delivering the Output of e-business (7.6 MB)

Other information
• Basic printing
• System i Navigator
Related reference
PDF file for Basic system operations
You can view and print a PDF file of this information.

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Basic system operations 69

70 IBM i: Basic system operations
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76 IBM i: Basic system operations
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