Pswd tool

Tools - Password File Tool

The "pswd tools" utility will allow you to copy the data out of the REL password file into an easier to handle SEQ file for backup purposes and restore the password file (all or just one record) from that backup file when needed. With this utility, you can safely store the password file anywhere you choose (like on an SFD 1001 or hard disk drive), if that drive is capable of handling relative files. To use the "pswd tools" program, you can boot up the ML shell (the "+shell" program) and then load and run the "pswd tools" program. You can also load and run this program after using any other program that also uses the ML (such as SETUP). The tools program reads in your PARMS file.

To BACKUP the password file, choose the "Backup Password File" option from the menu in "pswd tools". The program will ask if you are sure and then will start creating the backup file in the same files section as the password file. You should start seeing a counter increment, indicating the current number of records backed up. When the program is finished, you will find a new sequential file on your disk called "√password backup". This file contains all the information currently stored in your password file, but in an easier to handle SEQ format. Then you NEED to copy this file onto another disk for safe keeping using any file copier.

To RESTORE the password file, you first need to make sure a relative password file already exists. The restore program will not create a password file, it only fills the password file with data from the password file backup. So, if there is not already a password file in the desired file section, run the SETUP program and it will make a new one for you. The password file does not have to be blank, RESTORE will write over any data currently in the file. Also, you need to make sure the "√password backup" sequential file is also in that file section. Use a file copier if necessary to copy the password backup file onto the correct disk. To begin the RESTORE, choose the "Restore Password File" option from the menu in "pswd tools". It will ask for the record number to restore or 0 to restore all records. That is all you need to do. You should now see a counter increment as the backup file is restored into the password file. This restore is much slower than the backup, that is normal when writing into a relative file. Hopefully, we will not be doing too many restores anyway. When the restore is finished, the password file will be ready to use.

There is also an option in "pswd tools" called "Fix Password". This utility can be useful if for some reason you find a caller's record is unreadable. This program will NOT fix disk read errors, it just straightens out records that have corrupted data. Normally you would use "Restore Password File" to restore a bad record, but if you do not have a "√backup password" file, this may be the only other way to salvage what is left of your password file.

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Tools