PASSPORT Knowledge Base
Configuration

Date Published: October 21, 2007

Date Updated: June 9, 2011

Title

Configuring the Backspace Key

Product

PASSPORT PC to Host, PASSPORT Web to Host

Emulation Types

TN3270, TN5250

Issue

Can I customize the way the backspace key behaves?

Solution

Beginning in PASSPORT PC to Host 2007-914 and PASSPORT Web to Host 2007-1228, you have the option to configure how the backspace key behaves:

• Backspace - The cursor is moved one space to the left. If the cursor is located in an unprotected field the character at that position is deleted.

• Backspace/Stop at Field Attribute - If the position to the left of the cursor is in an unprotected field, the cursor is moved one space to the left and the character in that position is deleted. Otherwise, the X inhibited condition is displayed in the OIA area. The Reset key must then be pressed to reset this condition.

• Cursor Left - The cursor is moved one space to the left. The character is not deleted. This is a non-destructive backspace.

• Cursor Left/Stop at Field Attribute - If the position to the left of the cursor is in an unprotected field, the cursor is moved one space to the left. Otherwise, the X inhibited condition is displayed in the OIA area. The Reset key must then be pressed to reset this condition.

For PASSPORT PC to Host:

1. Select TN3270 or TN5250 from the Options menu (depending on your host type):
   
   
2. Select the desired action for the Backspace Key Method from the drop-down list.

For PASSPORT Web to Host:

From the Client:

Instructions are the same as those for PASSPORT PC to Host.

From the Administrator:

1. Start the PASSPORT Web to Host Administrator program.
2. Edit an existing or create a new Attribute profile.
3. Select the TN3270 or TN5250 tab.
4. Select the appropriate method for the Backspace Key Method from the drop-down list:
   
   
5. Click OK to save the attribute profile.
6. Open the session profile that you would like to assign this attribute profile to.
7. Select the Options tab.
8. Locate and select the attribute profile name from the Attribute Profile list.
9. Click OK to save or Connect to test.

More Information

• Feature added in PASSPORT PC to Host version 2007-914 and PASSPORT Web to Host version 2007-1228

• Beginning in PASSPORT PC to Host 2011-506, Auto Skipping Backspace has been added. Please see the product documentation for more information:
  http://zephyrcorp.com/terminal-emulation/documentation/PASSPORT/menu_commands/options_tn3270.htm

Keywords

backspace, destructive, configure, cursor left, auto, skipping