Re: can anyone explai this?

[Stephen Richter <stephenrichter@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hey Mark,

Grok says this:

Yes, it's entirely possible for individual PTFs to differ between systems
even if the PTF groups (viewed via WRKPTFGRP) are at the same levels, as
groups are cumulative bundles, but admins can apply single PTFs manually
via LODPTF/APYPTF outside of group installs (e.g., for urgent fixes or
testing).To list all applied PTFs on each IBM i 7.4 system and compare them
for differences, the most direct method uses the DSPPTF command to export
details to database files, then SQL (or Query/400) for comparison. This
leverages built-in tools without needing extra software. Here's how:Step 1:
Generate PTF Lists on Each SystemOn each IBM i system (or LPAR), run this
CL command to create an output file with all PTF details:

DSPPTF LICPGM(*ALL) OUTPUT(*OUTFILE) OUTFILE(MYLIB/PTFLIST)


   - Replace MYLIB/PTFLIST with your preferred library and file name (e.g.,
   QTEMP/PTFA on System A, QTEMP/PTFB on System B—use QTEMP if you don't
   need persistence).
   - LICPGM(*ALL) covers all products; narrow it with a specific product ID
   (e.g., 5770SS1 for OS/400) if you only care about certain areas.
   - This creates a physical file with model QADSPPTF, containing fields
   like SCPTFID (PTF ID), SCPPID (product ID), and status.

Repeat on every system you want to compare.Step 2: Transfer Files to a
Single System

   - Use FTP, IBM i Access Client Solutions (ACS), or Save/Restore to move
   the output files (e.g., PTFA and PTFB) to one central IBM i system.
   - If systems are networked, you could use DDM (Distributed Data
   Management) or just save to tape/media and restore.

Step 3: Compare Using SQLOn the central system, use STRSQL, Run SQL Scripts
in ACS, or any SQL tool to query the files.

   - PTFs on System A but not on System B:

   SELECT A.SCPPID, A.SCPTFIDFROM MYLIB/PTFA A
   EXCEPTION JOIN MYLIB/PTFB B
   ON A.SCPTFID = B.SCPTFID

   - PTFs on System B but not on System A (reverse the files):

   SELECT A.SCPPID, A.SCPTFIDFROM MYLIB/PTFB A
   EXCEPTION JOIN MYLIB/PTFA B
   ON A.SCPTFID = B.SCPTFID

   - These identify mismatches by PTF ID. Add more fields (e.g., A.SCSTATUS
   for applied status) or WHERE clauses (e.g., WHERE A.SCSTATUS = 'APPLIED')
   for refinement.
   - Note: This doesn't differentiate superseded vs. active PTFs—filter on
   SCSTATUS if needed (e.g., exclude 'SUPERSEDED').

Alternative: Compare Using Query/400 (WRKQRY)If you prefer a non-SQL tool:

   1. Run WRKQRY to create a new query (e.g., in MYLIB named PTFDIFF).
   2. Specify files: Primary = MYLIB/PTFA, Secondary = MYLIB/PTFB (both
   formats QSCPTF).
   3. Join type: 3 (Unmatched records with primary file).
   4. Join test: T01.SCPTFID EQ T02.SCPTFID.
   5. Select fields like SCPPID (product), SCPTFID (PTF), SCSTATUS (status).
   6. Run or save the query to output a report of differences. Reverse
   files for the other direction.

Other Options

   - Management Central (if available in IBM i Navigator/ACS): Under
   Systems Management > Fixes, you can compare PTF inventories across
   endpoints directly—no manual file transfers needed.
   - QMGTOOLS (Must Gather Tools): IBM's free toolkit includes a PTF
   comparison menu (option 24 > 3). Download/install from IBM support if not
   present; it's great for checking against IBM's latest lists too.
   ibm.com
   - SQL Views in SYSTOOLS/QSYS2 (7.4+): For quick checks, query
   QSYS2.PTF_INFO for a full list of PTFs on one system (e.g., SELECT
   PTF_IDENTIFIER, PRODUCT_ID, PTF_STATUS FROM QSYS2.PTF_INFO WHERE PTF_STATUS
   = 'APPLIED'). Combine with file outputs for cross-system compares.
   rpgpgm.com
   - If your save/restore issues tie to specific products/objects,
   cross-reference with DSPPTF on those (e.g., DSPPTF LICPGM(5770SS1)
   SELECT(SI12345) for a single PTF).

This should highlight any rogue individual PTFs causing mismatches. If the
differences don't explain your save/restore problems, check DSPLOG or job
logs for errors during those operations. Let me know more details (e.g.,
specific error messages) for further troubleshooting.
ibm.com

On Tue, Feb 24, 2026 at 4:34 PM Mark Waterbury via MIDRANGE-L <
midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I have a customer with multiple systems or LPARs on IBM i 7.4 who is
> having some save/restore issues that we cannot yet explain.
> On both systems, WRKPTFGRP PTFGRPLVL(*INSTALLED) shows the same groups
> installed at the same levels.
> Yet, I am finding a few objects that have had PTFs applied to them where
> they do not "match" -- the same object shows different PTFs on each system
> or LPAR.
> I suppose this is possible by loading and installing individual PTFs
> outside of the PTF group process?
> Now, the question is, is there  a way to determine what all PTFs have been
> applied on each system, and then compare the two lists to quickly identify
> any "different" PTFs?
> Suggestions most welcome.
> All the best,
> Mark S. Waterbury
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