docmain.css" /> File and Data Transfer - Reflection ZFE 2.1

File and Data Transfer

Mainframe file transfer copies files between your computer and a 3270 mainframe using the IND$FILE host program. As an administrator, you can choose to transfer files using either TSO or CMS host filing systems.

Mainframe file transfer

Before you can transfer files, you (as the administrator) must enable the transfer option for the current session. This is done on the Connection panel.

From the Host File System drop down list, select which IBM 3270 operating environment the host is running. ZFE supports TSO (Time Sharing Option) and CMS (Conversational Monitor System). The default selection is None.

There is support for ASCII or binary transfers.

Transferring files

You must be connected to the host to transfer files for the current 3270 session.

  1. Verify that the host is in a ‘ready’ state to accept the IND$FILE command.

  2. From the left panel, click the IND$FILE icon .

  3. The File Transfer dialog box displays, containing a list of host files and directories that are available to transfer. Directories and files are indicated by an icon when you select the file.

  4. Select the transfer method. The options are:

    • Binary

      Use for program files and other types of files that should not be translated, such as files that have already been formatted for a particular type of printer or files with application-specific formatting. Binary files contain non-printable characters; using this method, a file is not converted or translated during the transfer.

    • ASCII

      Use to transfer text files with no special formatting. ASCII files on the PC are translated to the EBCDIC character set on the host and host text files are converted from EBCDIC to ASCII when they are downloaded.

You can refresh the file list at any time by clicking the Refresh icon in the upper right corner of the File Transfer dialog box.

Downloading files

  1. From the list, select the file or directory to initiate the transfer. You can choose to save or open the files in the format you selected in step 3.

  2. If necessary, you can cancel the transfer from the transfer progress panel.

Uploading files

NOTE:IBM mainframe computer systems impose certain naming conventions for files. For detailed information on naming requirements, see the IBM documentation.

There are two methods for uploading files:

  1. From the File Transfer dialog box, click Upload.

  2. Choose the file you want to upload from the Browse window. The uploaded file displays in the list in alphabetical order.

Or:

  1. Drag the file you want to upload from its location to the File Transfer dialog box.

  2. Click Refresh to verify the file was successfully uploaded.

If you cancel the upload process before a file has been completely transferred, a partial file will be left behind on the host.

Troubleshooting your file transfers

Occasionally you might encounter errors when attempting a file transfer. These errors may be mainframe issues or, because you are transferring files using a browser; browser settings can be a source of unplanned errors.

For example, a browser may prompt you to action, such as a Save As prompt, despite the fact that the file transfer failed. This issue can be resolved by simply changing the browser setting.

For host-specific errors, see IBM File Transfer Error Messages.