Ranga, The VPTFnnnn file contains the actual "tersed" PTF envelope (content). VLSTnnnn contains documentation regarding the PTF that is normally not all that useful. Run DETERSE to unterse them (it sounds like you know about that).
You should use VMFINFO (i.e VMFINFO ppfname compname) to query the status of PTFs on your system. At the Main Menu, select option "PTFs/APARs". At the PTF/APAR Queries menu, enter the PTF number that you ordered (not the VLSTnnnn or VPTFnnnn number; that's just an IBM delivery order number) in the corresponding field, then select option "Status of PTF". If the PTF is received and/or applied, you'll see a line indicating that fact as well as the date/time on which it occurred (i.e. "Apply status: APPLIED.11/22/05.16:19:10.MAINT"). If its neither received nor applied, you'll see message "WN:VMFSIP2481W No entries match search arguments". If your PTF was applied and thedates are not recent/today, then you probably did have the maintenance already applied. If the dates are current, then you probably just now applied it. Depending on what component the applied PTF alters, you might also need to go through some sort of build process (i.e. rebuild a nucleus, NSS, etc.) in order to implement the PTF. PUT2PROD would normally be the last part of that process. VMFINFO will not necessarily tell you whether the Build process was performed. See the "Service Guide" and the "VMSES/E Introduction and Reference" manuals for more specific assistance. Hope this helps. If not or if you have more specific questions, let us know. Dennis Schaffer Mutual of Omaha "Ranga Nathan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > To Sent by: "The IBM IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU z/VM Operating cc System" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject ARK.EDU> Applying PTFs to Z/VM 5.1 09/08/2006 08:39 PM Please respond to "The IBM z/VM Operating System" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] ARK.EDU> I requested three services and got download instructions to download VPTF4792.BIN and VLST4792.BIN I am guessing that VPTF* contains the actual PTF and VLST contains some documentation. Is this right? When I serviced them on our test system after deterse and service commands, the VPTF4792 said all the PTFs were already applied. The VLST4792 said something similar. So I concluded that I dont need to apply these to production. Or should I? I still went ahead with the PUT2PROD process for the test system. -- __________________ Ranga Nathan Work: 714-442-7591