Can we get Tape data set name using Tape serial number?

[Harshal Mandalkar]

Hi,

Is it possible to get tape dataset name by giving tape serial number? Could you please advise on this.

[Robert Sample]

1. A tape may have MANY data set names, not just one -- tapes are not limited to a single data set.

2. Your tape management package probably has this information available.

[William Collins]

If outside of your TMS (a non-catalogued tape, external to your site, etc) then it is possible to print the tape header labels.

Don't do this for anything within your TMS and ask your storage techies even for non-TMS volumes. It can be interpreted as an attempted breech of security. Explain to them what you want, and they will provide the information, or tell you how they want it done. Note Robert's point about the possibility of more than one dataset on a a physical tape. Not that common, but if you want to confirm a dataset-name, you'll need to know,

[Harshal Mandalkar]

1. A tape may have MANY data set names, not just one -- tapes are not limited to a single data set.

I did not get this, what are you saying? Can you please help?

Thanks William. I shall take care about those points.

[enrico-sorichetti]

A tape may have MANY data set names, not just one

probably the wording was not clear for a beginner ...

possible rewording ...

a TAPE might contain MANY datasets

[Robert Sample]

A tape data set may be followed by a second tape data set, then another tape data set .... When you want "the" data set name for a tape, you may only get one of 2, 3, 139 different data set names on that tape (because the tape may have 1, 2, 3, or 139 -- or even more -- data sets on the tape). Saying you want the data set name indicates that you need to learn more about how tapes work.

[Harshal Mandalkar]

Thanks Robert and enrico.

If possible can you please direct me a to a manual where in can find these details? It'll be great help.

[Robert Sample]

In the DFSMS bookshelf, which you can reach at http://pic.dhe.ibm.com/infocenter/zos/v1r13/index.jsp, you will find a manual with the title DFSMS: Using Magnetic Tape. I recommend you start reading this manual.