ISPF Environment

1. How do I create multiple instances of ISPF sessions?
A. Use PDF command from the TSO panel, which will initiate a new ISPF session, Type =x to comeback to previous ISPF session. You can also type 'start' to initiate a new ISPF session, in this case you have to swap to go to the other session. You can have as many as 6 sessions open.( This command is installation specific)
2. I want to clear off the PF keys that are shown at the bottom of my ISPF panels.
A. Use command ‘PFSHOW OFF’ on command line. If you want to turn it on, issue ‘PFSHOW ON’.
3. I typed ‘/’ before pressing some Pfkey and this takes me to some other session
A. Character ‘/’ is used as a jump character for going to TPX screen in most of the installations. Therefore typing ‘/’ preceded by a PFkey is as good as going to TPX main menu and going to the corresponding session.
4. How do I see someone else’s jobs in IOF/SDSF?
A. In IOF menu give 'userid' in SCOPE field. In SDF you may have to type ‘ u xxxxx’ where xxxxx is the id or some other option will be available.
5. How do I compare a specific column in two files on ISPF?
A. Go to Option 3.13 (SUPERCE) and type 'edit'. You can give your compare options here. Also, you can specify many other options such as ‘treat certain records as comments’ etc.
6. How do I recover a Dataset I deleted by mistake, or maybe overwrote?
A. Use the TSO command HRECOVER, you’ll have to mention the generation or date of the backup you want restored. You can restore it to a new dataset. Usually, HRECOVER option can be found in ‘HSM’ utility panel.
7. How do you allocate a file similar to existing production file thought a job?
A. Specify production file as Model dataset. If you want to allocate a file similar to another file you can use the LIKE command and override any DCB parameter that you want different in your file.
8. How do I create a sequential file from VSAM file?
A. Use IDCAMS utility with the repro command. You can create a VSAM from a sequential file: the only condition is the sequential file should be sorted on the key fields.
9. How do I compare VSAM datasets?
A. Use either compare option in file-aid or ‘comparex’ utility or ‘data-xpert’ utility.
10. How do I know which version of Cobol compiler I am using?
A. Look at the first line of your compilation listing
11. How do I find out which base cluster does an alternate index file belong to?
A. Display information in file aid for the '.PATH' file which will show the base cluster as well as corresponding alt index file.
12. If I am using 3.4 and try to create a new member in an empty PDS, I can’t ?
A. Use option 2 and the new member name.
13. I got a B37 abend when tried to save the file.
A. Your PDS is out of space. Start another session open this PDS in 3.4 and put a ‘z’ next to it. It will compress the PDS. All x37 abends are ‘out of space’ situations.
14. I got an error message ‘NO SPACE IN DIRECTORY’ while creating a member in PDS.
A. Your PDS can no longer accommodate more members in it. You need to increase the ‘Directory blocks’. Each directory block can hold at least 4 members.
15. I want to copy only the first 500 records of my file.
A. Use file-aid or dataexpert and give the number of records in the option.
16. The dataset I want is migrated, but I don’t want my screen to be frozen when I recall it.
A. Type HRECALL next to the dataset name in 3.4
17. I want to send a message to another person logged on to TSO
A. Say ‘ TSO SEND ‘message line’ U(user_id)’. If the person in not logged on but you want to send a message which he can read when he logs on say ‘ TSO SEND ‘message line’ U(user_id) LOGON’
18. I want to see the LIMIT of a GDG.
A. Use LISTCAT in TSO or File-Aid option 3.2
19. I want to know the % free and other statistics of my dataset.
A. If you press ‘right or PF11’ on your 3.4 listing you can see the dataset statistics or use option 3.1 and I
20. I keep using certain commands that I want to save.
A. The commands you use regularly can be saved as a function key. E.g. – if you often change a JCL, save it, submit it and then go to the job spool. You could save a PF key as ‘save; sub; =IOF’ . To do this type ‘KEYS’ on ‘command line’ and make the necessary entries.
21. I am not able to delete a dataset that resides on a tape.
A. Yes. You cannot delete/rename a tape dataset. Only you can uncatalog it.