How to Export and Import IBM DB2 Catalog Entries from One Windows Machine to Another (4380168)

A user with a fully configured DB2 client on one Windows machine needs to replicate the catalog entries (database and node configurations) to another user on a different Windows machine. Manually cataloging each database and node can be error-prone and time-consuming.

DB2 catalog entries are stored locally per user and machine. DB2 does not automatically share or synchronize catalog configurations across different machines or users.

Follow the steps below to export and import DB2 catalog entries between two Windows machines:

On Machine A (Source Machine):

1. Log in as User A (who has the cataloged entries).

2. Open the DB2 Command Window as Administrator:

• Click Start → Search for "DB2 Command Window - Administrator"
• Right-click → Run as administrator

3. Export the DB2 Catalog Entries:

db2cfexp C:\Users\Public\db2_export.del ALL

• This creates a file (db2_export.del) containing all catalog entries.
• The file is saved in a public folder accessible to all users.

4. Transfer the Export File to Machine B:

Move C:\Users\Public\db2_export.del to the same path on Machine B using one of the following:

• USB drive
• Network share
• File transfer (email, cloud sync, etc.)

On Machine B (Target Machine):

5. Log in as User B (who needs the cataloged entries).

6. Open the DB2 Command Window as Administrator:

• Start → Search for "DB2 Command Window - Administrator"
• Right-click → Run as administrator

7. Import the DB2 Catalog Entries:

db2cfimp C:\Users\Public\db2_export.del

• This imports the cataloged DB2 database and node directory entries.

8. Verify the Imported Entries:

Use the following commands to confirm success:

db2 list node directory
db2 list db directory

If the entries are present, the import is complete.