CISC AS/400 LIC Tapes - Revision history

PoC: /* About the system Password */ removed outdated remark

2026-02-02T14:58:37Z

About the system Password: removed outdated remark

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:58, 2 February 2026
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	Steve Bisel makes it very clear in his book that the system password mechanism has been created from V2R2 onwards to make sure IBM gets paid its proposed license fees: Some software licenses are more expensive when run on more capable hardware.		Steve Bisel makes it very clear in his book that the system password mechanism has been created from V2R2 onwards to make sure IBM gets paid its proposed license fees: Some software licenses are more expensive when run on more capable hardware.

	So far, this password is most likely calculated from system type, system serial number, and probably more information. This is being fed into kind of a hashing algorithm and outputs the magic string. Up to today, it can only be calculated by IBM.~~<ref>Latest experiences show that probably even IBM is no longer capable of generating passwords for just 30 year old machinery…</ref>~~		So far, this password is most likely calculated from system type, system serial number, and probably more information. This is being fed into kind of a hashing algorithm and outputs the magic string. Up to today, it can only be calculated by IBM.

	* There is no OS provided way to view the current system password.<ref>The first release including the system password functionality — V2R2 — provided the possibility to print (not view!) the system password through the WRKHDWPRD command. This functionality was only briefly available for migration purposes, and was removed in V2R3.</ref> IBM stated that it is only needed once at install time — being provided on paper with the newly shipped system — and then never again, thus there is no need to know it. So, if it is invalidated, then it's for a reason and you need a new one generated, anyway.		* There is no OS provided way to view the current system password.<ref>The first release including the system password functionality — V2R2 — provided the possibility to print (not view!) the system password through the WRKHDWPRD command. This functionality was only briefly available for migration purposes, and was removed in V2R3.</ref> IBM stated that it is only needed once at install time — being provided on paper with the newly shipped system — and then never again, thus there is no need to know it. So, if it is invalidated, then it's for a reason and you need a new one generated, anyway.

PoC: less sure

2025-09-30T20:04:28Z

less sure

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:04, 30 September 2025
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	* '''F'''eature '''U'''nique '''L'''icensed '''I'''nternal '''C'''ode, associated with the newer ''Advanced'' series models, most often featuring a black case.		* '''F'''eature '''U'''nique '''L'''icensed '''I'''nternal '''C'''ode, associated with the newer ''Advanced'' series models, most often featuring a black case.

	These LIC are very small binary blobs, less than 1 MB in size, and have hard-coded the system type (e. g. 9406), model (e. g. 200), and serial number.		These LIC are very small binary blobs, less than 1 MB in size, and have hard-coded the system type (e. g. 9406), model (e. g. 200), and presumedly serial number.

	<blockquote>'''Note!''' It appears that the MULIC tape is needed only when the load source (aka: boot) disk is exchanged. A reinstall of LIC and OS does erase all of the disk's contents '''but''' MULIC. More evidence is required to support this claim, though. It has worked for a P02, and P03, so far. Sector-based backups of at least the load source disk is advised to not lose the MULIC part of a disk, along with the "personalized" parameters of the individual machine — aka. serial number.<p>		<blockquote>'''Note!''' It appears that the MULIC tape is needed only when the load source (aka: boot) disk is exchanged. A reinstall of LIC and OS does erase all of the disk's contents '''but''' MULIC. More evidence is required to support this claim, though. It has worked for a P02, and P03, so far. Sector-based backups of at least the load source disk is advised to not lose the MULIC part of a disk, along with the "personalized" parameters of the individual machine — aka. serial number.<p>

PoC: /* About the system Password */ more precise

2025-01-29T20:29:51Z

About the system Password: more precise

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:29, 29 January 2025
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	* Adding or removing RAM (main storage).		* Adding or removing RAM (main storage).
	* Adding or removing DASD (disks). This holds true for MULIC-less RISC boxes' load source (boot disk).		* Adding or removing DASD (disks). This holds true for MULIC-less RISC boxes' load source (boot disk).
	* Adding, moving, or removing feature (expansion) cards.<ref>Almost two decades ago, when I upgraded my 9402-400 running V4R4 with a Token Ring IOA, the system password was invalidated.</ref>		* Adding, moving, or removing feature (expansion) cards.<ref>Almost two decades ago, when I upgraded my 9402-400 running V4R4 with a Token Ring IOA, the system password was invalidated. That never happened with PCI based machines, and the 400 was my only model with SPD slots.</ref>

	While this is stemming from my personal experience with a few models, there's no guarantee that all models and releases will show a consistent behavior. It is said that especially V2 was hampered by bugs regarding System Password triggers.		While this is stemming from my personal experience with a few models, there's no guarantee that all models and releases will show a consistent behavior. It is said that especially V2 was hampered by bugs regarding System Password triggers.

PoC: /* About the system Password */ mishap

2025-01-29T20:29:02Z

About the system Password: mishap

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:29, 29 January 2025
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	* Adding or removing RAM (main storage).		* Adding or removing RAM (main storage).
	* Adding or removing DASD (disks). This holds true for MULIC-less RISC boxes' load source (boot disk).		* Adding or removing DASD (disks). This holds true for MULIC-less RISC boxes' load source (boot disk).
	* Adding, moving, or removing feature (expansion) cards.		* Adding, moving, or removing feature (expansion) cards.<ref>Almost two decades ago, when I upgraded my 9402-400 running V4R4 with a Token Ring IOA, the system password was invalidated.</ref>

	While this is stemming from my personal experience with a few models, there's no guarantee that all models and releases will show a consistent behavior. It is said that especially V2 was hampered by bugs regarding System Password triggers.		While this is stemming from my personal experience with a few models, there's no guarantee that all models and releases will show a consistent behavior. It is said that especially V2 was hampered by bugs regarding System Password triggers.

PoC: /* Weblinks */ Linkfix

2023-05-21T12:08:10Z

Weblinks: Linkfix

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:08, 21 May 2023
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	== Weblinks ==		== Weblinks ==
	* [https://comp.sys.ibm.as400.misc.narkive.com/oTbiBhhr/looking-ibm-9401-p03 Looking IBM 9401-P03], Narkive Newsgroup Archive		* [https://comp.sys.ibm.as400.misc.narkive.com/oTbiBhhr/looking-ibm-9401-p03 Looking IBM 9401-P03], Narkive Newsgroup Archive
	* [https://www.ibm.com/resources/publications/OutputPubsDetails?PubID=SY44390200 AS/400 Service Functions V3], ~~PDF~~. See Appendix A for instructions about how to install LIC and how to deduce when MULIC is required.		* [https://www.ibm.com/resources/publications/OutputPubsDetails?PubID=SY44390200 AS/400 Service Functions V3], SY44-3902-00. See Appendix A for instructions about how to install LIC and how to deduce when MULIC is required.
	* Discussion about System Passwords on very computer:<ref>Note that some advice-givers confuse the system password with the QSECOFR user password, or license keys, for OS/400 releases V4 and newer.</ref>		* Discussion about System Passwords on very computer:<ref>Note that some advice-givers confuse the system password with the QSECOFR user password, or license keys, for OS/400 releases V4 and newer.</ref>
	** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_85a9beb296a124f7_1.htm Subject: System Password]		** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_85a9beb296a124f7_1.htm Subject: System Password]

PoC: /* Weblinks */ Linkfix

2023-05-21T12:01:59Z

Weblinks: Linkfix

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:01, 21 May 2023
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	== Weblinks ==		== Weblinks ==
	* [https://comp.sys.ibm.as400.misc.narkive.com/oTbiBhhr/looking-ibm-9401-p03 Looking IBM 9401-P03], Narkive Newsgroup Archive		* [https://comp.sys.ibm.as400.misc.narkive.com/oTbiBhhr/looking-ibm-9401-p03 Looking IBM 9401-P03], Narkive Newsgroup Archive
	* [https://~~ibmdocs~~.~~pocnet~~.~~net~~/~~SY44-3902-00.pdf~~ AS/400 Service Functions V3], PDF. See Appendix A for instructions about how to install LIC and how to deduce when MULIC is required.		* [https://www.ibm.com/resources/publications/OutputPubsDetails?PubID=SY44390200 AS/400 Service Functions V3], PDF. See Appendix A for instructions about how to install LIC and how to deduce when MULIC is required.
	* Discussion about System Passwords on very computer:<ref>Note that some advice-givers confuse the system password with the QSECOFR user password, or license keys, for OS/400 releases V4 and newer.</ref>		* Discussion about System Passwords on very computer:<ref>Note that some advice-givers confuse the system password with the QSECOFR user password, or license keys, for OS/400 releases V4 and newer.</ref>
	** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_85a9beb296a124f7_1.htm Subject: System Password]		** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_85a9beb296a124f7_1.htm Subject: System Password]

PoC: /* Weblinks */ Typo

2023-01-05T11:15:45Z

Weblinks: Typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:15, 5 January 2023
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	== Weblinks ==		== Weblinks ==
	* [https://comp.sys.ibm.as400.misc.narkive.com/oTbiBhhr/looking-ibm-9401-p03 Looking IBM 9401-P03], Narkive Newsgroup Archive		* [https://comp.sys.ibm.as400.misc.narkive.com/oTbiBhhr/looking-ibm-9401-p03 Looking IBM 9401-P03], Narkive Newsgroup Archive
	* [https://ibmdocs.pocnet.net/SY44-3902-00.pdf AS/400 Service Functions V3], PDF. See Appendix A for instructions about how to install LIC and how to ~~deduct~~ when MULIC is required.		* [https://ibmdocs.pocnet.net/SY44-3902-00.pdf AS/400 Service Functions V3], PDF. See Appendix A for instructions about how to install LIC and how to deduce when MULIC is required.
	* Discussion about System Passwords on very computer:<ref>Note that some advice-givers confuse the system password with the QSECOFR user password, or license keys, for OS/400 releases V4 and newer.</ref>		* Discussion about System Passwords on very computer:<ref>Note that some advice-givers confuse the system password with the QSECOFR user password, or license keys, for OS/400 releases V4 and newer.</ref>
	** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_85a9beb296a124f7_1.htm Subject: System Password]		** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_85a9beb296a124f7_1.htm Subject: System Password]

PoC: /* Weblinks */ +Links

2022-09-02T08:52:22Z

Weblinks: +Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:52, 2 September 2022
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	* [https://comp.sys.ibm.as400.misc.narkive.com/oTbiBhhr/looking-ibm-9401-p03 Looking IBM 9401-P03], Narkive Newsgroup Archive		* [https://comp.sys.ibm.as400.misc.narkive.com/oTbiBhhr/looking-ibm-9401-p03 Looking IBM 9401-P03], Narkive Newsgroup Archive
	* [https://ibmdocs.pocnet.net/SY44-3902-00.pdf AS/400 Service Functions V3], PDF. See Appendix A for instructions about how to install LIC and how to deduct when MULIC is required.		* [https://ibmdocs.pocnet.net/SY44-3902-00.pdf AS/400 Service Functions V3], PDF. See Appendix A for instructions about how to install LIC and how to deduct when MULIC is required.
			* Discussion about System Passwords on very computer:<ref>Note that some advice-givers confuse the system password with the QSECOFR user password, or license keys, for OS/400 releases V4 and newer.</ref>
			** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_85a9beb296a124f7_1.htm Subject: System Password]
			** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_58d5a1f3ef5378fd_1.htm Subject: System password]
			** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_aa840c7ef6a45a77_1.htm Subject: How can I get the System Password Version?]
			** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_aa8658dfd549509c_1.htm Subject: change system password]
			** [http://www.verycomputer.com/153_c178527a785f49aa_1.htm Subject: System password override?]

	== References ==		== References ==

PoC: /* About the system Password */ Bugs!

2022-06-09T09:56:10Z

About the system Password: Bugs!

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:56, 9 June 2022
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	* Adding, moving, or removing feature (expansion) cards.		* Adding, moving, or removing feature (expansion) cards.

	While this is stemming from my personal experience with a few models, there's no guarantee that all models and releases will show a consistent behavior.		While this is stemming from my personal experience with a few models, there's no guarantee that all models and releases will show a consistent behavior. It is said that especially V2 was hampered by bugs regarding System Password triggers.

	== See also ==		== See also ==

PoC: Expanded with findings from the Steve Bisel Book

2022-02-21T16:54:15Z

Expanded with findings from the Steve Bisel Book

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:54, 21 February 2022
Line 9:		Line 9:
	<blockquote>'''Note!''' It appears that the MULIC tape is needed only when the load source (aka: boot) disk is exchanged. A reinstall of LIC and OS does erase all of the disk's contents '''but''' MULIC. More evidence is required to support this claim, though. It has worked for a P02, and P03, so far. Sector-based backups of at least the load source disk is advised to not lose the MULIC part of a disk, along with the "personalized" parameters of the individual machine — aka. serial number.<p>		<blockquote>'''Note!''' It appears that the MULIC tape is needed only when the load source (aka: boot) disk is exchanged. A reinstall of LIC and OS does erase all of the disk's contents '''but''' MULIC. More evidence is required to support this claim, though. It has worked for a P02, and P03, so far. Sector-based backups of at least the load source disk is advised to not lose the MULIC part of a disk, along with the "personalized" parameters of the individual machine — aka. serial number.<p>

	It's very likely that changing *ULIC from external sources forces a change of the system's serial number, and thus an invalidation of the system password~~. So far, this password is calculated from system components — kind of a hashing algorithm —, and up to today can only be calculated by IBM~~.</blockquote>		It's very likely that changing *ULIC from external sources forces a change of the system's serial number, and thus an invalidation of the system password.</blockquote>

	== LIC ==		== LIC ==
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	So, from the above list, it can be devised which models do not require MULIC/FULIC. For example, P03 models with processor 2115 and above need a tape, while P03 machines with CPU type 2114 do not.		So, from the above list, it can be devised which models do not require MULIC/FULIC. For example, P03 models with processor 2115 and above need a tape, while P03 machines with CPU type 2114 do not.

			== About the system Password ==
			Steve Bisel makes it very clear in his book that the system password mechanism has been created from V2R2 onwards to make sure IBM gets paid its proposed license fees: Some software licenses are more expensive when run on more capable hardware.

			So far, this password is most likely calculated from system type, system serial number, and probably more information. This is being fed into kind of a hashing algorithm and outputs the magic string. Up to today, it can only be calculated by IBM.<ref>Latest experiences show that probably even IBM is no longer capable of generating passwords for just 30 year old machinery…</ref>

			* There is no OS provided way to view the current system password.<ref>The first release including the system password functionality — V2R2 — provided the possibility to print (not view!) the system password through the WRKHDWPRD command. This functionality was only briefly available for migration purposes, and was removed in V2R3.</ref> IBM stated that it is only needed once at install time — being provided on paper with the newly shipped system — and then never again, thus there is no need to know it. So, if it is invalidated, then it's for a reason and you need a new one generated, anyway.
			* Upon installation time of a machine, a system password is generated and "stored in the system". At least for the CISC models.
			* There is no concise documentation for all possible cases triggering a system password invalidation.<ref>On a model 400, adding a Token Ring IOA triggered a password invalidation for me. This is said to be a bug. No matter what it was, it was a major inconvenience to resolve.</ref> Cases might even be different between OS-Releases, and/or hardware involved.

			All in all, the less you tinker around, the less likely a sudden password invalidation will happen. What does '''not''' trigger an invalidation:
			* Adding or removing RAM (main storage).
			* Adding or removing DASD (disks). This holds true for MULIC-less RISC boxes' load source (boot disk).
			* Adding, moving, or removing feature (expansion) cards.

			While this is stemming from my personal experience with a few models, there's no guarantee that all models and releases will show a consistent behavior.

	== See also ==		== See also ==
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	* [https://comp.sys.ibm.as400.misc.narkive.com/oTbiBhhr/looking-ibm-9401-p03 Looking IBM 9401-P03], Narkive Newsgroup Archive		* [https://comp.sys.ibm.as400.misc.narkive.com/oTbiBhhr/looking-ibm-9401-p03 Looking IBM 9401-P03], Narkive Newsgroup Archive
	* [https://ibmdocs.pocnet.net/SY44-3902-00.pdf AS/400 Service Functions V3], PDF. See Appendix A for instructions about how to install LIC and how to deduct when MULIC is required.		* [https://ibmdocs.pocnet.net/SY44-3902-00.pdf AS/400 Service Functions V3], PDF. See Appendix A for instructions about how to install LIC and how to deduct when MULIC is required.

			== References ==
			<references />

	[[Category: System Administration]]		[[Category: System Administration]]