System Backup Using an HMC

This document outlines the procedures for performing a system backup using the Hardware Management Console (HMC) for www.flexcutech.com systems. This process is critical for data integrity and recovery.

Revised: March 27, 2017

1. Preparation for System Backup

Before initiating the system backup, ensure the following preparatory steps are completed:

  • PC Servers: Set all PC servers to “no service” or power them off.
  • Online Services (Credit Unions – CUs):
    • CUs with online services (e.g., online ATMs) must contact their online vendors to notify them of the upcoming downtime during the system backup.
    • Notify all CU employees about the scheduled system backup, instructing them that they will not have access to the I Series and will need to reboot all PCs after the backup is complete.
    • If you have Online Banking, notify CMC that the I Series will be down due to a System Save.

2. Scheduling System Power Down (for Scheduled Saves)

For scheduled system saves, you must power down the Logical Partition (LPAR) prior to the full system save starting.

  1. Login to Telnet Session:
    • Login to a Telnet session as QSECOFR and enter the correct password.
    • Note: This can also be accessed through Telnet within JUICE via System Administration or from the menu by typing telnet.
  2. Initialize CMC Flex:
    • On the command line, type call cmcflex/cmcinit and press Enter.
  3. Logon to LPAR:
    • Telnet to the LPAR server’s IP address: telnet XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX (replace XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX with your LPAR Server IP).
    • Logon using QSECOFR and password.
      • Note: Contact FLEX for the password if you do not have it.
    • Verification: After logging in, ensure you are on the correct LPAR. The system name (e.g., XXXLP1) should be displayed in the top right corner.
  4. Schedule Power Down Job:
    • On the command line, type wrkjobscde and press Enter.
    • Press F6 to add a job schedule.
    • You may need to press F24 for more keys, then F9 for all parameters to page down to the next screen.
    • Enter the desired date and time for the power down.
      • Note: System time uses a 24-hour clock (e.g., 12:00 midnight is 00:00:00).
      • The power down time should be 30 minutes to an hour before the CMCSAVSYS kick-off time.
    • Press Enter.
  5. Verify Job Schedule:
    • You should now see SYSSAVEIPL in the wrkjobscde list. If not, press F5 to refresh.
  6. Sign Off:
    • If the job is listed, type signoff and press Enter.
    • Press Esc.
    • Type 99 and press Enter.
  • Note for Interactive System Saves: If you are running the System Save interactively (not scheduled), power down the server directly using the command: pwrdwnsys option(*immed) restart(*no) and press Enter. Then proceed to the CMCSAVSYS command section below.

3. Accessing the HMC Session

The HMC session is the console and must be used for a System Save.

  1. Locate HMC Icon: Double-click the “HMC” icon on the desktop of the HMC PC.
  2. Select Language: When prompted, type 21 for English and press Enter.
  3. Enter Credentials:
    • Enter the user ID.
      • Note: Contact CMC if you do not know this.
    • Enter the password and press Enter.
      • Note: Contact CMC if you do not know this.
  4. Select System: Type 1 to select XXXSYS and press Enter.
  5. Enter Option: On the option line for XXXSYS-Main, enter 2 and press Enter.
  6. Session Key:
    • Enter abcd1234 for the session key.
    • Re-enter abcd1234 for the verify field and press Enter.
  7. Sign On:
    • Sign on to the session with the user QSECOFR.
      • Note: Contact CMC if you do not know this.
    • Re-sign on if another sign-on screen appears.

4. Running the CMCSAVSYS Command

Once logged into the HMC session, you will run the CMCSAVSYS command.

  1. Execute Command: On a command line in Client Access, type CMCSAVSYS and press F4.
    • Note: When you first press F4, only the first four prompts will display. You will need to press Enter again to see all parameters.
  2. Configure Backup Options: Key in the following fields based on your requirements:
    • Initialize Tape:
      • Automatically initialize the current tape in the drive as SAVSYS?
    • Backup SYSTEM (Dedicated):
      • This option performs a dedicated save, during which all online services will be down.
      • Includes: Operating System, Libraries, User Profiles, and License Internal Codes.
    • Backup DOCMAN (Not Dedicated):
      • This option backs up DOCMAN. Online services remain functional during this portion of the save.
    • IPL System:
      • No longer required for system backups if a monthly IPL is performed.
    • Device ID:
      • TAP01 (unless utilizing multiple tape drives).
    • Encrypt Member Data:
      • Requirement: Purchase of a module license is required. Contact your Marketing Representative if interested.
      • Impact: Encryption will add approximately 25% to 50% to the save time, depending on your server’s age and available resources.
    • Encryption Password:
      • Enter a password.
      • Responsibility: The Credit Union is responsible for maintaining this password.
      • Critical Note: It MUST be kept separate from the tape. Without this password, the tape is useless for restoration.
    • Verify Password:
      • Re-enter the encryption password.
    • Shutdown Online Services:
      • Should online services be ended prior to running a system save?
      • Note: Online services will be restarted after the save completes.
    • Send Email alerts:
      • If configured, possible email messages include:
        • System save submitted with date and time
        • Tape device not ready
        • Save tape initialized
        • Shutdown of online services (start and complete)
        • System save started
        • Dedicated portion complete
        • DOCMAN complete
        • System save complete
      • Note: During the dedicated save, the system is in a restricted mode, and courtesy email alerts cannot be sent.
    • Max number of same alert:
      • If email notifications are configured, what is the maximum number of the same alerts sent (00-99)?
      • Default: 2 alerts.
    • Minutes between same alert:
      • If email notifications are configured, what are the minutes between same alerts sent (00-99)?
      • Default: 30 minutes between alerts.
    • Start Date (MMDDYY):
      • Used for scheduled saves.
      • If left blank, the system save will start immediately.
    • Start Time (HHMM 24hour):
      • Used for scheduled saves.
      • If left blank in conjunction with the start date, the system save will start immediately.
    • Max End Date (MMDDYY):
      • Only used if the job is running in batch mode or submitted.
      • Specifies the maximum date allowed before the dedicated save portion is terminated.
    • Max End Time (HHMM 24hour):
      • Only used if the job is running in batch mode or submitted.
      • Used in conjunction with the Max Date.
      • Specifies the maximum time allowed before the dedicated save portion is terminated.

5. Post-Backup Information

For any additional questions or concerns regarding system backups, please contact the FLEX Hardware team.