Attachmate EXTRA! X-treme Version 9 Release Notes October 2006 |
© 2006 Attachmate Corporation. All rights reserved.
This file contains late-breaking information about this release of Attachmate EXTRA! X-treme. EXTRA! X-treme provides access to IBM mainframe, AS/400, VAX/VMS, UNIX, or other asynchronous host applications. Using EXTRA! X-treme, users can run host applications, transfer files, and integrate data into other Windows applications.
For additional information about EXTRA! X-treme v. 9.0, visit our support Web site at http://www.support.attachmate.com.
This edition of EXTRA! X-treme provides a range of significant enhancements, including:
Microsoft Windows Vista certification ensures that EXTRA! X-treme provides increased security, compatibility with next-generation platforms (including 64-bit), more successful installation experiences, and improved application stability.
The Crypto module included with the Reflection Secure FTP client meets the stringent FIPS 140-2 security requirements, allowing encryption of file transfers using industry standard SSL/TLS or SSH protocols.
SSH keyboard interactive authentication aids the administrator in implementing more stringent security requirements for VT host sessions by preventing the user from saving passwords on his or her machine, and requiring that users enter a password when attempting to connect to a UNIX host.
For Telnet applications, you can now make EXTRA! your default browser.
When this option is selected, if you inadvertently type in a protected field, EXTRA! automatically issues a keyboard reset, moves to the next unprotected field, and then enters your text.
Use the keyboard to switch focus between an EXTRA! session and the Productivity pane.
For 3270 sessions, you can now select to allow word wrap functionality within a multi-line, unprotected field.
The following EHLLAPI functions have been implemented:
80 | Start Communication Notification | |
81 | Query Communication Event | |
82 | Stop Communication Notification | |
For more information about EHLLAPI, refer to the IBM SDK documentation. |
For system requirements and installation information, see the Getting Started Guide on the EXTRA! X-treme CD.
Overinstalls and Testing
EXTRA! X-treme v. 9 can be installed over myEXTRA! Enterprise v. 7.11 and EXTRA! X-treme v. 8.0 and 8.0 with SP1. Minimal testing was performed with EXTRA! X-treme v. 9 on over-installations of earlier versions of EXTRA!.
Supported Operating Systems
Attachmate currently supports EXTRA! X-treme v. 9 on:Attachmate does not support any Microsoft operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft.
Installing the Custom Installation Wizard
The Custom Installation Wizard can be installed simply by copying CustomInstallationWizard.exe from the Tools folder on the EXTRA! CD to an administrator's hard drive.
Installation Option Not Supported
Although you can select the option This Feature will be Installed When Required during a custom installation, the option is not supported in this version of EXTRA! X-treme.
Reboot Recommended after Uninstalling
To delete files that may be in use, Attachmate recommends rebooting your computer after uninstalling this product.
FAT16 Not Supported
Before you install EXTRA! X-treme v. 9 under Windows 2000, make sure that Windows is using either the FAT32 or NTFS file system FAT16 is not supported for EXTRA! X-treme v. 9.
Tandem 6530 Client Option
When using Group Policy to publish EXTRA! X-treme to users, EXTRA! X-treme must be installed before the EXTRA! 6530 Client Option can be installed.
When you install EXTRA! X-treme v. 9 over myEXTRA! Enterprise v. 8 with myEXTRA! 6530 Client Option v. 8 installed, the 6530 Client Option v. 8 is removed. To enable Tandem connectivity, you must install EXTRA! 6530 Client Option v. 9 after you install EXTRA! X-treme v. 9. Contact your Attachmate Sales representative for information on the EXTRA! 6530 Client Option v. 9.
FTP Support in Tandem
You must install FTP while installing EXTRA! X-treme if you want FTP support in Tandem. (FTP is installed by default.)
DLC Driver for Windows XP Installation
Although the Attachmate DLC driver for Windows XP cannot be covered under the “Designed for Windows XP” logo, it has been tested extensively on the Windows platform and works exceptionally well.
The DLC driver cannot be installed on Windows Vista. |
On computers running Windows XP, the DLC driver is installed as part of a Typical installation of EXTRA! X-treme. If, however, you want to install this driver manually on a Windows XP computer, you can do so as follows.
To manually install the DLC driver for Windows XP Classic View |
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To manually install the DLC driver for Windows XP Normal View |
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Roaming Profiles
Roaming Profiles is not supported across different Operating Systems.
Stream Fetches on an AS/400 via 802.2
IBM has disabled support for stream fetches over 802.2 on OS/400 V5R2 and later, which causes browsing an AS/400 using 5250 File Transfer via 802.2 to fail. Attachmate recommends that you change your file transfer method from 802.2 to TCP/IP. If you cannot change your file transfer method, please visit our support Web site at http://www.support.attachmate.com.
SSL (128-bit)
Encryption occurs only if the remote system also supports SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) in TN3270 and TN5250. You must have a secured host or gateway.
Answerback (Asynchronous Sessions Only)
In the Settings - Display General page under Answerback, you may sometimes want to include the left brace character ("{") as part of the answerback string.
To use the left brace character |
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TN3270 Through a Firewall
If you are using TN3270 through a firewall, you will need to edit the [Connection] section of the .EDP file so that NoEcho=YES.
To use TN3270 through a Firewall |
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Connecting to the Host Using Microsoft SNA Server
EXTRA! X-treme allows host access through a Microsoft SNA Server to mainframe and AS/400 applications and resources. If you need the Microsoft SNA Server client software, you can obtain it from the Microsoft SNA Server or Host Integration Server install CD or directly from Microsoft. It is recommended that the client software match the SNA Server or Host Integration Server version installed and that the latest copy be obtained and installed on the clients.
The SNA Server client software is not required for TN3270 or TN5250 connections to a Microsoft SNA Server. Contact Microsoft to obtain a Microsoft SNA Server "Client Access License" to ensure that your client software is correctly licensed to access resources through the Microsoft SNA Server.
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AS/400 APPN Node Connectivity Limitations
Only one connection type is permitted for a specific host. However, you can configure for multiple connection types, provided the host name is different. For example, an 802.2 connection is made to XYZ400 and then an MPTN connection to XYZ400. The last type connected to XYZ400 will be used (in this case, MPTN).
Also, the connection to a given host can be either a direct connection or pass through connection, but not both. For example, an 802.2 connection is made to XYZ400 and then a second 802.2 connection is made to XYZ400 through UVW400. The last configured definition to XYZ400 will be used (in this case, XYZ400 through UVW400).
When Windows Regional Settings use Comma Separators
When Windows Regional Settings use comma separators rather than decimal separators, for commas to work properly, the [Edit Scheme] section of the .EDP file DisableCSVCommaDelimiters needs to be set to TRUE.
To use comma separators in Windows regional settings |
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Using Raster Fonts and Non-Microsoft Video Drivers
Using raster fonts with a non-Microsoft video driver could result in a GPF error. This error occurs most often when using the IntelliMouse to zoom in or out of a session.
Host Authentication for SSH
By default, Host Authentication for SSH only works when the SSH server is set up to use DSA keys and when you connect to the Server with your client a DSA fingerprint will be put automatically to the client PC. But if the SSH server is set to use only RSA keys then the connection will fail and following error occurs in the Status Log:
"EXTRA!SSH: No Host Key Alg" (orithm) "
In order to enable RSA key generation with SSH you need to add a "use_SSH2_RSA" string with a value of "Y" to the registry under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Attachmate\EXTRA!\WorkStationUser\Preferences.
Making New Line Processing Configurable with ByPass WinGDI
If you selected the Bypass Windows GDI printing system option, so that printing to file prints in Raw Output Mode, you can make new line processing configurable by editing the .EPP file.
To make new line processing configurable when ByPass WinGDI is selected | ||
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Sending Printer-Specific Commands Before and After a Print Job
To set values for AtStartDoc and AtEndDoc to allow printer-specific commands to be sent before and after the print job |
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Viewing File Transfer
For PC code pages other than 1252, you need to make sure that the application used to view transferred files is configured for the correct subset of the desired font. For example, PC code page 1250, which represents Czech and Croatian, should use the Attachmate (Central Europe) font. (Lucida for Attachmate defaults to subset Western.)
5250 File Transfer
Using file transfer on the AS/400 with NetWare for SAA via TCP/IP may cause your PC to hang in certain situations. To resolve this issue, you will need to change the buffer size in the registry.
To change the DBServer registry entry |
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Batch File Transfer Format Issues
Presentation Space Sharing
The IBM EHLLAPI and WOSA WinHLLAPI specifications identify a set of session parameters that determine how, or if, the presentation space of a currently connected HLLAPI application is shared. Presentation space sharing has not yet been implemented in Enhanced Transport HLLAPI, therefore multiple HLLAPI applications will be allowed to connect to a single host session at the same time. With Standard Transport HLLAPI, where presentation space sharing HAS been properly implemented, only one HLLAPI application is allowed to connect to a host session at a time, unless an appropriate session parameter has been set in the HLLAPI applications using function 9, Set Session Parameters. A second application, attempting to connect to a session already in use by another HLLAPI application will receive a return code of 11 on the call to ConnectPS (Function 1).
The Reset System Function
HLLAPI programs must use the Reset System Function (21) in their unload routines to allow EXTRA! X-treme to properly unregister HLLAPI and related OLE resources upon unload. If Reset System is not used, some resources may persist in memory after exiting EXTRA! X-treme.
Sessions Open as Visible
In myEXTRA! Enterprise v. 7.11 and earlier, a host session opened by an OLE Automation Open call is not visible on opening. In EXTRA! X-treme v. 8.0, the session is visible when OLE Open is used. In EXTRA! X-treme v. 9.0, this behavior has been updated to be consistent with 7.11 — the OLE Open call does not open a visible session.
Macro Recording on Asynchronous Hosts
The macro recorder automatically inserts WaitHostQuiet statements after every SendKeys operation. For asynchronous hosts, the default Wait time may be too long. This can easily be modified. For example, to wait for only two seconds (rather than the default five), change all the WaitHostQuiet statements to wait for a specific user-defined timeout value and define that value at the start of the macro. Then, when you want to change the value of the Wait time, you only have to make the change in one place.
For example:
WaitValue = 2000 | 'define this once at start of macro |
... | |
... | |
WaitHostQuiet(WaitValue) | 'change each WaitHostQuiet statement to wait for this user-defined time. |
EXTRA! Basic Macros
All EXTRA! Basic macros from all clients run on a single thread. Therefore, when one client's macro displays a dialog box, all other macros are temporarily suspended.
Converting KEA! Macros and Sessions
You can convert KEA! macros and sessions using the Migration wizard as described in the following procedure.
To convert KEA! macros and sessions to EXTRA! |
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Using the Minimize or Maximize Buttons with Macros
When a macro document is maximized within the macro editor, the minimize/maximize/close controls in the macro titlebar disappear. To un-maximize a macro document, you must choose tile or cascade from the Window menu.
Transferring Files to Computers Running Windows XP Service Pack 2
Microsoft is changing their default security settings with Windows XP Service Pack 2 to tighten desktop security. Because Microsoft Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) will be enabled by default, if you are using FTP in EXTRA! to transfer a file to a remote computer which has Windows XP SP2 installed, it is possible that EXTRA! won't be able to establish a Telnet session to the remote host. To resolve this issue, manually open port 23 of the Telnet Server on the remote machine. For further information, visit www.microsoft.com/security/protect/ports.asp.
Using Help
Microsoft Vista does not include the software necessary for viewing the Help from the EXTRA! UI. To use Help, you must download the Help software from the Microsoft Web site. Help will continue to function normally on Windows XP and Windows 2000.
Running Multiple Sessions in a Portal
When Multiple Instances of a Session is selected in Global Preferences, running a session in a portal is not supported.
Protecting Passwords
Although the global option Set Macro Password Box is available for all host types, it is applied only to IBM Mainframe sessions, and is ignored for other sessions.
Tips for Working with Graphics
Choosing the best match depends on the graphic model your session is using and the type of display your PC has.
To view a graphic in the clipboard |
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To print a graphic or the contents displayed in your EXTRA! X-treme session |
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To cut or copy a graphics selection when a graphics cursor is displayed |
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Running a Graphics Program with TN3270
When you run a graphics program with TN3270, you will need to modify your SESSION.EDP file.
To edit your SESSION.EDP file to run a graphics program with TN3270 |
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Using SAS Host Graphics in a EXTRA! X-treme Session
Because of the complexities involved in displaying SAS host graphics in a Windows graphic environment, you may need to work with the various graphics options available in EXTRA! to achieve optimum results in your EXTRA! display session.
To change the settings in EXTRA! X-treme for SAS | ||||||||||||||||
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To edit your SESSION.EDP file to enable the Graphics Cache option |
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Editing Images in an Asynchronous Session
Although you can print graphic images directly from EXTRA! in an asynchronous sessions, to copy and paste graphic images, you must select the Bitmap method of Backing Store.
101-Key PC Keyboards and Windows Terminal Server Support
On a 101-key PC keyboard, the Clear function for a 3270 session is typically mapped to the PC's PAUSE key. However, EXTRA! X-treme 3270 sessions that are run from a Windows Terminal Server are unable to use the PAUSE key to invoke the Clear function.
To use the Clear function |
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Remapping Keys for AS/400 Citrix Users
The default mapping of the key combination CTRL + PLUS SIGN (+) conflicts with Citrix default mapping. There are, however, two possible workarounds: Citrix users can either remap the key in Citrix; or remap it using the Attachmate keyboard remapper.
Under certain circumstances, the settings in the Mouse Control Panel override EXTRA! X-treme mouse map settings for a mouse wheel or middle mouse button.
If Your Mouse Has a Middle Button
Before mapping your middle mouse button in EXTRA! X-treme, you must first go to the Windows Control Panel and set your middle mouse button action to Middle Button. If the middle button is set to any other action (such as Auto Scroll) in the Mouse Control Panel, the middle button will perform this action rather than the action you assign to it in EXTRA! X-treme.
If Your Mouse Has a Wheel
If your mouse wheel is set to the system's default setting (usually Auto Scroll), the mouse wheel will perform the default action as well as the EXTRA! X-treme action you assign to the wheel button. If you use the control panel to set the mouse wheel to a setting other than the default, the EXTRA! X-treme action you assign to the wheel button will be ignored.
Bookmarks and Recorded Pages
You can turn the Stay Visible feature in the Bookmarks and Recorded Pages window on and off by typing ALT + v. This keystroke performs the same action as clicking the "pushpin" button in the Bookmarks and Recorded Pages window. When Stay Visible is activated, the Bookmarks and Recorded Pages window remains visible even after a bookmark or page has been selected.