Pswd tool
Tools - Password File Tool
The "pswd tools" utility allows you to copy data from the relative password file into an easier-to-manage sequential file for backup purposes. It can also restore the password file, either in full or one record at a time, from that backup file when needed.
With this utility, you can safely store the password file on any device you choose, such as an SFD-1001 or a hard drive, provided that device supports relative files.
To use "pswd tools", boot the ML shell using the "+shell" program, then load and run "pswd tools". You may also load and run it after using another ML-based program, such as SETUP. The utility reads in the system PARMS file.
Backing Up the Password File
To back up the password file, choose the "Backup Password File" option from the "pswd tools" menu.
The program will ask for confirmation and then begin creating the backup file in the same file section as the password file. As the process runs, you should see a counter increment, showing the number of records backed up.
When the backup is complete, a new sequential file named "√password backup" will exist on the disk. This file contains all information currently stored in the password file, but in a sequential format that is easier to handle.
Once the backup is finished, you should copy the "√password backup" file to another disk or storage device for safekeeping using your preferred file copier.
Restoring the Password File
To restore the password file, first make sure that a relative password file already exists in the target file section.
The restore routine does not create a new password file. It only writes backed-up data into an existing one. If a password file does not already exist in the desired location, run the SETUP program first so that it can create one for you.
The password file does not need to be blank. The restore process will write over any data already present.
You must also make sure the "√password backup" sequential file is present in the same file section. If necessary, use a file copier to place the backup file on the correct disk before beginning the restore.
To start the restore, choose the "Restore Password File" option from the "pswd tools" menu.
The program will ask for the record number to restore, or 0 to restore all records.
Once started, a counter should begin incrementing as the backup file is written into the password file. This process is much slower than the backup process, which is normal when writing into a relative file.
When the restore is finished, the password file should be ready for use.
Fix Password
The "pswd tools" menu also includes an option called "Fix Password".
This utility can be useful if a caller's record becomes unreadable due to corrupted data. It does not repair disk read errors. Instead, it attempts to straighten out records that contain damaged or inconsistent data.
Under normal circumstances, restoring the damaged record from "√password backup" is the preferred solution. However, if no backup file is available, "Fix Password" may be the only remaining option for salvaging what is left of the password file.
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