This article explains the process, and importance, of saving your configuration and backing it up via CLI.
Also See: How to save and back up your configuration on Dell EMC N series switches via Web GUI
To save your configuration, input the following command:
console#copy running-config startup-config
To back up your startup-config to an external device, input the following commands:
This example uses the IP address 192.168.0.1 for the TFTP server and filename backup.cfg
console#copy startup-config tftp://192.168.0.1/backup
All Dell switches covered by this guide have at least two configuration files. The startup-config and running-config. It is important to understand how these configurations are used and stored by the switch.
startup-config
running-config
When a switch powers on, it loads its startup-config file. From there it copies the startup-config file over a blank running-config file, since the running-config is lost after the switch loses power or reboots. From there, the switch runs and acts off its running-config. Any configuration changes on the switch is applied to the running-config, which is how most configuration changes take affect live without a reboot. Changes in the configuration are not written to the startup-config until you run the copy running-config startup-config command.
Saving Configuration
Saving configuration is crucial. It ensures the switch retains its current configuration in the case of power failure or reboot. Risks that can cause a switch to reboot unplanned include power outages, physical security breach, unforeseen circumstances.
Backing up configuration
A backup should always be performed before any of the following.
· After configuring a new switch
· Before a firmware update
· Before changing a working configuration
· Before replacing a switch
· Before physically moving the switch
· Before changing the hardware on a switch (Modules, cabling, power supplies)
If a backup is performed at each of these steps, then if something unforeseen happens there is now a backup of the switch configuration. Instead of having to reconfigure the switch completely if the configuration is lost, you can now just upload the backup file to the switch.