SYSnnn.BACKUP datasets created when using AOF to edit rules

Products

• OPS/MVS Event Management & Automation

Issue/Introduction

Under 14.0.06 we have noticed that backup datasets named pfx.userid.SYSnnnn.BACKUP are created for the rule being edited (if multiple screens editing multiple rules, then one BACKUP dataset per rule). These datasets are not present under 14.0.05 .

If the TSO session terminated with AOF edit session(s) still open, then dataset(s) are retained, otherwise they are deleted upon PF3 (end).

Presumably these are for AOF edit session recovery, is there any further information available?

 

Environment

Release : 14.0

Resolution

Rule edit backup/recovery is not a function of OPS/MVS, but instead is related to having ISPF edit parm RECOVERY ON set.  

Having this edit parm set in ISPF will result in SYSnnn.BACKUP datasets being created during an edit session for any dataset. Starting an ISPF edit session and entering command RECOVERY OFF will turn the function off.

The behavior associated with ISPF edit RECOVERY ON/OFF is further described in the IBM documentation located here:

https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/zos/2.5.0?topic=defaults-edit-backup-recovery