Replicating spool files from one AS/400 to another

Replicating spool files from one AS/400 to another
By Tim Granatir, Search400.com expert

This is a simple and quick technique for replicating spool files from one AS/400 to another without having to set up SNADS or other types of spool file routing. This technique is at its best in situations where regular or ongoing spool file support is not needed but occasionally you need to get a spool file from another system to which you are connected. (For example, determining if a print problem at a remote site is a hardware or software problem.) This technique can also be used to archive your spool files without having them sit on an output queue but still allow them to be retrieved and printed later on.

On AS/400 that contains the spool file:

Step 1. Create a physical file that is at least 1 character bigger than the size of the spool file you wish to replicate.

Step 2. Copy the spool file into your database file. Make sure you specify *FCFC for the control character parameter.

Step 3. Transfer this database file to your target AS/400 using whatever method you choose (FTP, File Transfer, etc.)

On AS/400 that you wish to print:

Step 4. Override print file to specify control character *FCFC

Step 5. Copy your database file to the spool file.

Your print file is now duplicated on your target AS/400.

Example Commands:

CRTPF FILE(MYLIB/FILE133) RCDLEN(133)
CPYSPLF FILE(MYSPLF) TOFILE(MYLIB/FILE133) JOB(123456/*N/QPADEV0032) CTLCHAR(*FCFC)
Transfer FILE133 in library MYLIB to your target AS/400
OVRPRTF FILE(QSYSPRT) CTLCHAR(*FCFC)
CPYF FROMFILE(MYLIB/FILE133) TOFILE(QSYSPRT)

Granatir is vice president of Technical Services for Interlink Technologies in Maumee, Ohio, and he has 17 years experience working primarily on the IBM midrange platforms.