In the "scratch category" settings, you can set an "expire hold" field that tells the TS77xx how long to keep an expired tape before releasing it to scratch. I believe that once that threshold is crossed, the TS77xx rewrites the tape mark to the beginning of the tape and all data is lost - unless IBM has some magic they can preform on the back end.
Rex -----Original Message----- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List <IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU> On Behalf Of Steely.Mark Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 3:20 PM To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Reading a scratch tape I think that process is correct - but I think there is a parm in the 7700 configuration that after a couple of days it will automatically remove the contents of the tape. So if that time has elapsed all you will get is a tape mark. -----Original Message----- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List <IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU> On Behalf Of Brian Westerman Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2024 3:06 PM To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU Subject: Re: Reading a scratch tape I think all you really need to do is change it from scratch to master in the ISMF tape option under ISPF/PDF. That will tell the 7700 that it's not a scratch tape. That will change it in the library. You will then need to bypass your tape system (normally that's done with the special EXPDT option for tapes outside the library. Remember to change it back when you are done. Brian ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The information contained in this message is confidential, protected from disclosure and may be legally privileged. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, distribution, copying, or any action taken or action omitted in reliance on it, is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to this message and destroy the material in its entirety, whether in electronic or hard copy format. Thank you. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
