This article explains how to backup the configuration file in ScreenOS and how to restore a configuration file.

• How do I save a configuration file to disk?

• How do I backup my config?

• How do I restore or load a config file?

• How do I replace an existing configuration with a modified configuration file?

To Backup or Save a Config File

1. Select Configuration -> Update -> Config File
2. In the 'Download Configuration from Device' section, select Save to File
   Then in the File Download dialog box, click Save.  Navigate to the location where you want to save the configuration file (cfg.txt), then click Save.

Saving the configuration file is also documented in the following technical documentation:

• ScreenOS 5.4:
• ScreenOS 6.0: 
• ScreenOS 6.1:
• ScreenOS 6.2:
• ScreenOS 6.3:

To Restore or Upload a Config File (or replace an existing configuration)

1. Select Configuration -> Update -> Config File

2. In the 'Upload Configuration to Device' section, select Replace Current Configuration
   Then in the 'New Configuration File' dialog box, enter the path and name of the configuration file, or click Browse to navigate to the file location.

3. Click Apply.

4. Note: The security device loads the configuration file and reboots automatically. Be aware that the new configuration may have a different interface IP addresses. To manage the device and reach the interfaces, remember to use the new IP addresses.

   For information on uploading a configuration from the WebUI (web management), refer to KB4171 - [ScreenOS] Uploading a Configuration from the WebUI

 

1. Update the existing config with the command:

   save config from tftp <tftp_server_ip> <config_filename> to flash
   

2. Reset the security device:

   reset
Configuration modified. Save? [y] y/n n    <-----answer N for No; otherwise you will overwrite the config loaded in step 1 (if you entered y, then repeat step 1.)
System reset? Are you sure? y/n y
    

   Note: It is highly recommended that you have CLI access to the Firewall while replacing the configuration and rebooting the device. If the new configuration prevents management access to the Firewall (Bad IP address, mis-configured management settings etc.,), the console session may help in restoring access.

​2017-12-01: Added note to the bottom of the solution section.
2020-01-24: Article reviewed for accuracy. No changes made. Article is correct and complete.