Article Number: 000121861
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.
10 Apr 2021
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How To