SENDING PROGRAMS

To Send Your Programs:

The Source Recovery Company recovers compilable COBOL and ASSEMBLER source code from machine-readable executable object modules.

Use the contact form to obtain instructions for obtaining free estimates for programs.

Also, please include your full company name, address, phone and fax numbers in your email so we will have the proper information to complete our proposal.

In order to estimate accurately, we need a particular type of file. Please send us:

1. An image of the mainframe object code-that is, the executable load module . . .
2. . . .in EBCDIC . . .
3. . . .with no carriage-return/linefeed.

Be aware that many download utilities automatically convert files from EBCDIC to ASCII so the data can be used on your PC. In addition, many download utilities automatically add the carriage-return/linefeed after each record received from the mainframe. The technology that SRC uses to estimate and recover your code works properly only when the file is EBCDIC with no carriage-return/linefeed.

Here are two common ways to download programs in the format we can use:

  • Microsoft Windows
    If you use Microsoft Windows, your PC probably connects to the mainframe using a 3270 emulator program. These programs usually have menus to upload and download files from the mainframe. Select the "binary" option and make sure the check boxes or options settings for character translation and record formatting indicate EBCDIC (or no translation), and no carriage-return/linefeed.

  • IBM SEND and RECEIVE utilities
    If you use the IBM SEND and RECEIVE utilities to copy files to and from the mainframe, these utilities have parameters that translate EBCDIC into ASCII and insert ASCII carriage-return/linefeeds. The following details the command which correctly copies an executable MVS load module from the mainframe to a PC for transmittal to ESTC. Type the upper case exactly as specified; replace the lower case with the specifics of your load module and site conventions:

    RECEIVE c:\yourpcdir\lostprog.lod d:'your.mainframe.partitioned.dataset (lostprog)'

    The single quotes are required. Replace "d:" with the TSO session number in your shop. The above command copies the MVS load module named "lostprog" from the MVS DASD partitioned data set named "your.mainframe.partitioned.dataset" down to the PC and stores the result in the PC directory named "yourpcdir" as the file named "lostprog.lod". By default, RECEIVE copies the file the way we want it-in EBCDIC, with no carriage-return/linefeed.

If you're not sure how to proceed, please call us at 770-667-5043.

We'll do our best to help you with your specific utility.