This README file accompanies PATCHMAN.NLM v2.23. The following files are included for this revision: PATCHMAN NLM 9051 4-16-92 11:21a PCHMN222 DOC (This file) This version of PATCHMAN replaces any and all previous versions of PATCHMAN. PATCHMAN v2.23 can only be used with NetWare v3.11+ (all number-of-user versions). NetWare v3.10a requires PATCHMAN v1.20b. *** PLEASE NOTE THE TECHNICAL BULLETIN ON THE 3.11 OPERATING SYSTEM PATCHES INCLUDED BELOW. PATCHMAN.NLM is the Patch Manager for which tracks and manages all official patches for NetWare 386 v3.10+. Patches for NetWare 386 v3.10+ consist of three types: DYNAMIC -- Dynamic patches are implemented as .NLM files that can be loaded/unloaded while the server is running. Unloading a dynamic patch will restore the Operating System to its original "un-patched" state. SEMI-STATIC -- Semi-static patches can also be loaded while the server is running, but they cannot be unloaded. It is not possible to undo the effects of a semi-static patch without first downing the server and bringing it back up without loading the semi-static patch. STATIC -- A static patch is a DOS executable program that modifies the SERVER.EXE file. This type of patch is applied once and its effects are permanent. It is suggested that a backup of the original SERVER.EXE file be made before applying a static patch. (In other words, do not patch the SERVER.EXE on your original distribution diskette!) Dynamic and semi-static patches modify the Operating System in memory, not on the disk. This means that dynamic and semi-static patches must be loaded each time the Operating System is brought up in order for any 'fixes' to take effect. It is recommended that the command "LOAD " be placed in the file server's AUTOEXEC.NCF file to ensure that the patch is always in effect as soon as the server is brought up. In order to see which patches are currently loaded on the system, type "PATCHES" at the file server command line. The patches will then be grouped and displayed according to their type (i.e. - STATIC, SEMI-STATIC, or DYNAMIC). Typing "MODULES" at the server console will show which dynamic patches have been loaded, but will not show semi-static or static patches. The Patch Manager (PATCHMAN.NLM) must be loaded before any dynamic or semi-static patches can be loaded. If PATCHMAN is not already loaded, the .NLM will attempt to locate PATCHMAN and, if found, will load it automatically. PATCHMAN only needs to be loaded once; all .NLM patches can then be loaded. PATCHMAN cannot be unloaded until all patches that rely on it are first unloaded. NOVELL TECHNICAL BULLETIN TITLE: Effects of v3.11 Serialization Changes on Patches and Fixes DOCUMENT ID#: TB.P.298 DATE: 4 December 1991 PRODUCT: NetWare PRODUCT REVISION: v3.11 SUPERSEDES: N/A SYMPTOM: Errors, such as "Unexpected code encountered in area to be patched" during implementation of patches and fixes. ISSUE/PROBLEM Because of the unanticipated success of NetWare v3.11, the available serialization range was exhausted. As a result, the v3.11 operating system has been modified to extend that serialization range. This modification has required a corresponding change to all v3.11 operating system patches, including those previously released. It does not affect any patches or fixes other than v3.11 operating system patches. When a user attempts to apply an unmodified NetWare v3.11 operating system patch to a v3.11 operating system with the extended serialization range, he or she may receive an error similar to the one above. SOLUTION The modified NetWare v3.11 operating system patches can be applied to any v3.11 operating system if the PATCHMAN.NLM (v2.20 or later) that accompanies them is loaded at the file server. PATCHMAN.NLM performs the application of a given patch to the v3.11 operating system as it resides in file server memory. Users should be aware of five important points: 1) PATCHMAN.NLM v2.20 (or later) must be loaded. 2) The modified patches, with PATCHMAN.NLM v2.20 (or later), will successfully load on NetWare v3.11 operating systems without the extended serialization range. 3) The re-released patches will not be successfully implemented if PATCHMAN NLM v2.20 (or later) is not loaded. 4) Unmodified v3.11 operating system patches will work successfully only on operating systems without the extended serialization range. They will not work on a newly modified operating system, nor on an operating system also running modified patches or PATCHMAN v2.20 (or later). 5) The re-released NetWare v3.11 operating system patches are dated October 1991 or later. ***************************************************************** DISCLAIMER Novell, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to any NetWare software, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability, title, or fitness for a particular purpose. Distribution of any NetWare software is forbidden without the express written consent of Novell, Inc. Further, Novell reserves the right to discontinue distribution of any NetWare software. Novell is not responsible for lost profits or revenue, loss of use of the software, loss of data, costs of re-creating lost data, the cost of any substitute equipment or program, or claims by any party other than you. Novell strongly recommends a backup be made before any software is installed. Technical support for this software may be provided at the discretion of Novell. *****************************************************************