Working with the Configuration Files

•Information About Configuration Files

•Guidelines for Creating and Using Configuration Files

•Creating a Configuration File Using a Text Editor

•Copying Configuration Files Using TFTP

•Copying Configuration Files Using FTP

•Copying Configuration Files Using RCP

•Clearing Configuration Information

•Replacing and Rolling Back Configurations

Information About Configuration Files

Configuration files contain commands that you enter to customize the function of the Cisco IOS software. You can create a basic configuration file by using the setup program or by entering the setup privileged EXEC command.

Startup configuration files are used during system startup to configure the software. Running configuration files contain the current configuration of the software. The two configuration files can be different. The startup configuration is stored in the NVRAM section of flash memory and is persistent; the running configuration is stored in DRAM and is replaced by the startup configuration at the next reboot.

You can copy (download) configuration files from a TFTP, FTP, or RCP server to the running configuration or startup configuration of the switch. You perform this task when you want to:

•Restore a backed-up configuration file.

•Use the configuration file for another switch.

For example, you might add another switch to your network and want it to have a configuration similar to the original switch. By copying the file to the new switch, you can change the relevant parts rather than recreating the whole file.

•Load the same configuration commands on all the switches in your network so that all the switches have similar configurations.

The copy {ftp: | rcp: | tftp:} system:running-config privileged EXEC command loads the configuration files on the switch as if you were entering the commands at the command line. The switch does not erase the existing running configuration before adding the commands. If a command in the copied configuration file replaces a command in the existing configuration file, the existing command is erased. For example, if the copied configuration file contains a different IP address in a particular command than the existing configuration, the IP address in the copied configuration is used. However, some commands in the existing configuration might not be replaced or negated. In this case, the resulting configuration file is a mixture of the existing configuration file and the copied configuration file, with the copied configuration file having precedence. To restore a configuration file to an exact copy of a file stored on a server, copy the configuration file directly to the startup configuration (by using the copy {ftp: | rcp: | tftp:} nvram:startup-config privileged EXEC command), and reload the switch.

You can copy (upload) configuration files from the switch to a file server by using TFTP, FTP, or RCP. You might perform this task to back up a current configuration file to a server before changing its contents so that you can later restore the original configuration file from the server.

Guidelines for Creating and Using Configuration Files

Creating configuration files can aid in your switch configuration. Configuration files can contain some or all of the commands needed to configure one or more switches. For example, you might want to download the same configuration file to several switches that have the same hardware configuration.

Use these guidelines when creating a configuration file:

•We recommend that you connect through the console port or Ethernet management port for the initial configuration of the switch. If you are accessing the switch through a network connection instead of through a direct connection to the console port or Ethernet management port, keep in mind that some configuration changes (such as changing the switch IP address or disabling ports) can cause a loss of connectivity to the switch.

•If no password has been set on the switch, we recommend that you set one by using the enable secret secret-password global configuration command.

Creating a Configuration File Using a Text Editor

When creating a configuration file, you must list commands logically so that the system can respond appropriately. To create a configuration file using a text editor, follow these steps:

Step 1 Copy an existing configuration from a switch to a server.

For more information, see the "Downloading the Configuration File Using TFTP" section, the "Downloading a Configuration File Using FTP" section, or the "Downloading a Configuration File Using RCP" section.

Step 2 Open the configuration file in a text editor, such as vi or emacs on UNIX or Notepad on a PC.

Step 3 Extract the portion of the configuration file with the desired commands, and save it in a new file.

Step 4 Copy the configuration file to the appropriate server location. For example, copy the file to the TFTP directory on the workstation (usually /tftpboot on a UNIX workstation).

Step 5 Make sure the permissions on the file are set to world-read.

Copying Configuration Files Using TFTP

You can configure the switch with configuration files that you create from scratch, download from another switch, or download from a TFTP server. You can copy (upload) configuration files to a TFTP server for storage.

•Preparing to Download or Upload a Configuration File Using TFTP

•Downloading the Configuration File Using TFTP

•Uploading the Configuration File Using TFTP

Preparing to Download or Upload a Configuration File Using TFTP

•Ensure that the workstation acting as the TFTP server is properly configured. On a Sun workstation, make sure that the /etc/inetd.conf file contains this line: 

tftp dgram udp wait root /usr/etc/in.tftpd in.tftpd -p -s /tftpboot

 
   
 
    
   
 Make sure that the /etc/services file contains this line: 
 
    
   
 
    
tftp 69/udp

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
     
   
 
   
 
    
   
 Note You must restart the inetd daemon after modifying the /etc/inetd.conf and /etc/services files. To restart the daemon, either stop the inetd process and restart it, or enter a fastboot command (on the SunOS 4.x) or a reboot command (on Solaris 2.x or SunOS 5.x). For more information on the TFTP daemon, see the documentation for your workstation. 
 
   
 
    
   
 •Ensure that the switch has a route to the TFTP server. The switch and the TFTP server must be in the same subnetwork if you do not have a router to route traffic between subnets. Check connectivity to the TFTP server by using the ping command. 
 
    
   
 •Ensure that the configuration file to be downloaded is in the correct directory on the TFTP server (usually /tftpboot on a UNIX workstation). 
 
    
   
 •For download operations, ensure that the permissions on the file are set correctly. The permission on the file should be world-read. 
 
    
   
 •Before uploading the configuration file, you might need to create an empty file on the TFTP server. To create an empty file, enter the touch filename command, where filename is the name of the file you will use when uploading it to the server. 
 
    
   
 •During upload operations, if you are overwriting an existing file (including an empty file, if you had to create one) on the server, ensure that the permissions on the file are set correctly. Permissions on the file should be world-write. 
 
     
    
    
    
   
 Downloading the Configuration File Using TFTP 
 
    
   
 To configure the switch by using a configuration file downloaded from a TFTP server, follow these steps: 
 
   
 
    
   
 Step 1 Copy the configuration file to the appropriate TFTP directory on the TFTP server. 
 
    
   
 Step 2 Verify that the TFTP server is properly configured by referring to the "Preparing to Download or Upload a Configuration File Using TFTP" section. 
 
    
   
 Step 3 Log into the switch through the console port, the Ethernet management port, or a Telnet session. 
 
    
   
 Step 4 Download the configuration file from the TFTP server to configure the switch. 
 
    
   
 Specify the IP address or hostname of the TFTP server and the name of the file to download. 
 
    
   
 Use one of these privileged EXEC commands: 
 
    
   
 •copy tftp:[[[//location]/directory]/filename] system:running-config 
 
    
   
 •copy tftp:[[[//location]/directory]/filename] nvram:startup-config 
 
    
   
 •copy tftp:[[[//location]/directory]/filename] flash-[n]:/directory/startup-config  
 
    
   
 The configuration file downloads, and the commands are executed as the file is parsed line-by-line. 
 
   
 
    
    
   
 This example shows how to configure the software from the file tokyo-confg at IP address 172.16.2.155: 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# copy tftp://172.16.2.155/tokyo-confg system:running-config

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Configure using tokyo-confg from 172.16.2.155? [confirm] y

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Booting tokyo-confg from 172.16.2.155:!!! [OK - 874/16000 bytes]

 
   
 
     
    
    
    
   
 Uploading the Configuration File Using TFTP 
 
    
   
 To upload a configuration file from a switch to a TFTP server for storage, follow these steps: 
 
   
 
    
   
 Step 1 Verify that the TFTP server is properly configured by referring to the "Preparing to Download or Upload a Configuration File Using TFTP" section. 
 
    
   
 Step 2 Log into the switch through the console port, the Ethernet management port, or a Telnet session. 
 
    
   
 Step 3 Upload the switch configuration to the TFTP server. Specify the IP address or hostname of the TFTP server and the destination filename. 
 
    
   
 Use one of these privileged EXEC commands: 
 
    
   
 •copy system:running-config tftp:[[[//location]/directory]/filename] 
 
    
   
 •copy nvram:startup-config tftp:[[[//location]/directory]/filename] 
 
    
   
 •copy flash-[n]:/directory/startup-config tftp:[[[//location]/directory]/filename] 
 
    
   
 The file is uploaded to the TFTP server. 
 
   
 
    
    
   
 This example shows how to upload a configuration file from a switch to a TFTP server: 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# copy system:running-config tftp://172.16.2.155/tokyo-confg

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Write file tokyo-confg on host 172.16.2.155? [confirm] y

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
# 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Writing tokyo-confg!!! [OK]

 
   
 
     
    
    
   
 Copying Configuration Files Using FTP 
 
    
    
   
 You can copy configuration files to or from an FTP server. 
 
    
   
 •Preparing to Download or Upload a Configuration File Using FTP 
 
    
   
 •Downloading a Configuration File Using FTP 
 
    
   
 •Uploading a Configuration File Using FTP 
 
     
    
    
   
 Preparing to Download or Upload a Configuration File Using FTP 
 
    
   
 The FTP protocol requires a client to send a remote username and password on each FTP request to a server. When you copy a configuration file from the switch to a server by using FTP, the Cisco IOS software sends the first valid username in this list: 
 
    
   
 •The username specified in the copy command if a username is specified. 
 
    
   
 •The username set by the ip ftp username username global configuration command if the command is configured. 
 
    
   
 •Anonymous. 
 
    
   
 The switch sends the first valid password in this list: 
 
    
   
 •The password specified in the copy command if a password is specified. 
 
    
   
 •The password set by the ip ftp password password global configuration command if the command is configured. 
 
    
   
 •The switch forms a password named username@switchname.domain. The variable username is the username associated with the current session, switchname is the configured hostname, and domain is the domain of the switch. 
 
    
   
 The username and password must be associated with an account on the FTP server. If you are writing to the server, the FTP server must be properly configured to accept your FTP write request. 
 
    
   
 Use the ip ftp username and ip ftp password commands to specify a username and password for all copies. Include the username in the copy command if you want to specify only a username for that copy operation. 
 
    
   
 If the server has a directory structure, the configuration file is written to or copied from the directory associated with the username on the server. For example, if the configuration file resides in the home directory of a user on the server, specify that user's name as the remote username. 
 
    
   
 Before you begin downloading or uploading a configuration file, do the following: 
 
    
   
 •Ensure that the switch has a route to the FTP server. The switch and the FTP server must be in the same subnetwork if you do not have a router to route traffic between subnets. Check connectivity to the FTP server by using the ping command. 
 
    
   
 •If you are accessing the switch through the console or a Telnet session and you do not have a valid username, make sure that the current FTP username is the one that you want to use for the FTP download. You can enter the show users privileged EXEC command to view the valid username. If you do not want to use this username, create a new FTP username by using the ip ftp username username global configuration command during all copy operations. The new username is stored in NVRAM. If you are accessing the switch through a Telnet session and you have a valid username, this username is used, and you do not need to set the FTP username. Include the username in the copy command if you want to specify a username for only that copy operation. 
 
    
   
 •When you upload a configuration file to the FTP server, it must be properly configured to accept the write request from the user on the switch. 
 
    
   
 For more information, see the documentation for your FTP server. 
 
     
    
    
    
   
 Downloading a Configuration File Using FTP 
 
    
   
 Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to download a configuration file by using FTP: 
 
    
   
 
 
   
 
    
 
      
      
      
 
         
        
        

          Command 
        
 		 
        
        

          Purpose 
        
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 1  
 		 
       
 configure terminal 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# configure terminal 

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Enters global configuration mode on the switch. 
 
 This step is required only if you override the default remote username or password. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 2  
 		 
       
 ip ftp username username  
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch(confg)# ip ftp username NetAdmin1

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Changes the default remote FTP username. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 3  
 		 
       
 ip ftp password password  
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch(confg)# ip ftp password adminpassword

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Changes the default FTP password. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 4  
 		 
       
 end 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch(confg)# end 

 
        
 
       
 Returns to privileged EXEC mode. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 5  
 		 
       
 copy ftp:[[[//[username[:password]@]location]/directory]/filename] system:running-config 
 
 or 
 
 copy ftp:[[[//[username[:password]@]location]/directory]/filename] nvram:startup-config 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# copy ftp system:running-config

 
        
 
       
 Copies the configuration file from the FTP server to the running configuration or to the startup configuration file. 
 		 
      
 
      
    
 
   
 
   
 
 
    
   
 This example shows how to copy a configuration file named host1-confg from the home directory for user netadmin1 on the remote server with an IP address of 172.16.101.101 and to load and run those commands on the switch: 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# copy ftp://netadmin1:mypass@172.16.101.101/host1-confg system:running-config 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Configure using host1-confg from 172.16.101.101? [confirm]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Connected to 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Loading 1112 byte file host1-confg:![OK]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
%SYS-5-CONFIG: Configured from host1-config by ftp from 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
 
   
 
    
   
 This example shows how to specify a remote username of netadmin1. The software copies the configuration file host2-confg from the home directory for user netadmin1 on the remote server with an IP address of 172.16.101.101 to the switch startup configuration. 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# configure terminal

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch(config)# ip ftp username netadmin1

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch(config)# ip ftp password mypass

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch(config)# end

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# copy ftp: nvram:startup-config 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Address of remote host [255.255.255.255]? 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Name of configuration file[rtr2-confg]? host2-confg

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Configure using host2-confg from 172.16.101.101?[confirm]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Connected to 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Loading 1112 byte file host2-confg:![OK]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
[OK]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
%SYS-5-CONFIG_NV:Non-volatile store configured from host2-config by ftp from 
172.16.101.101

 
   
 
     
    
    
    
   
 Uploading a Configuration File Using FTP 
 
    
   
 Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to upload a configuration file by using FTP: 
 
    
   
 
 
   
 
    
 
      
      
      
 
         
        
        

          Command 
        
 		 
        
        

          Purpose 
        
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 1  
 		 
       
 configure terminal 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# configure terminal 

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Enters global configuration mode. 
 
 This step is required only if you override the default remote username or password. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 2  
 		 
       
 ip ftp username username 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch(confg)# ip ftp username NetAdmin1 

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Changes the default remote username. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 3  
 		 
       
 ip ftp password password 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch(confg)# ip ftp password adminpassword 

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Changes the default password. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 4  
 		 
       
 end 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch(confg)# end 

 
        
 
       
 Returns to privileged EXEC mode. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 5  
 		 
       
 copy system:running-config ftp:[[[//[username[:password]@]location]/directory]/filename] 
 
 or 
 
 copy nvram:startup-config ftp:[[[//[username[:password]@]location]/directory]/filename] 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# copy system:running-config ftp:

 
        
 
       
 Copies the specified configuration file to the specified location on the FTP server. 
 		 
      
 
      
    
 
   
 
   
 
 
    
   
 This example shows how to copy the running configuration file named switch2-confg to the netadmin1 directory on the remote host with an IP address of 172.16.101.101: 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# copy system:running-config ftp://netadmin1:mypass@172.16.101.101/switch2-confg

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Write file switch2-confg on host 172.16.101.101?[confirm]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Building configuration...[OK]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Connected to 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
 
   
 
    
   
 This example shows how to store a startup configuration file on a server by using FTP to copy the file: 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# configure terminal

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch(config)# ip ftp username netadmin2

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch(config)# ip ftp password mypass

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch(config)# end

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# copy nvram:startup-config ftp:

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Remote host[]? 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Name of configuration file to write [switch2-confg]?

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Write file switch2-confg on host 172.16.101.101?[confirm]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
![OK]

 
   
 
     
    
    
    
   
 Copying Configuration Files Using RCP 
 
    
   
 You can copy configuration files from and to an RCP server. 
 
    
   
 •Preparing to Download or Upload a Configuration File Using RCP 
 
    
   
 •Downloading a Configuration File Using RCP 
 
    
   
 •Uploading a Configuration File Using RCP 
 
     
    
    
   
 Preparing to Download or Upload a Configuration File Using RCP 
 
    
   
 To copy configuration files using RCP, you need access to a server that supports the remote shell (rsh). (Most UNIX systems support rsh.) Because you are copying a file from one place to another, you must have read permission on the source file and write permission on the destination file. If the destination file does not exist, RCP creates it for you. 
 
    
   
 RCP requires a client to send a remote username with each RCP request to a server. When you copy a configuration file from the switch to a server, the Cisco IOS software sends the first valid username in this list: 
 
    
   
 •The username specified in the copy command if a username is specified. 
 
    
   
 •The username set by the ip rcmd remote-username username global configuration command if the command is configured. 
 
    
   
 •The remote username associated with the current TTY (terminal) process. For example, if the user is connected to the router through Telnet and was authenticated through the username command, the switch software sends the Telnet username as the remote username. 
 
    
   
 •The switch hostname. 
 
    
   
 For a successful RCP copy request, you must define an account on the network server for the remote username. If the server has a directory structure, the configuration file is written to or copied from the directory associated with the remote username on the server. For example, if the configuration file is in the home directory of a user on the server, specify that user's name as the remote username. 
 
    
   
 Before you begin downloading or uploading a configuration file by using RCP, do the following: 
 
    
   
 •Ensure that the workstation acting as the RCP server supports the remote shell (rsh). 
 
    
   
 •Ensure that the switch has a route to the RCP server. The switch and the server must be in the same subnetwork if you do not have a router to route traffic between subnets. Check connectivity to the RCP server by using the ping command. 
 
    
   
 •If you are accessing the switch through the console or a Telnet session and you do not have a valid username, make sure that the current RCP username is the one that you want to use for the RCP download. You can enter the show users privileged EXEC command to view the valid username. If you do not want to use this username, create a new RCP username by using the ip rcmd remote-username username global configuration command to be used during all copy operations. The new username is stored in NVRAM. If you are accessing the switch through a Telnet session and you have a valid username, this username is used, and you do not need to set the RCP username. Include the username in the copy command if you want to specify a username for only that copy operation. 
 
    
   
 •When you upload a file to the RCP server, it must be properly configured to accept the RCP write request from the user on the switch. For UNIX systems, you must add an entry to the .rhosts file for the remote user on the RCP server. For example, suppose that the switch contains these configuration lines: 
 
    
   
 
    
hostname Switch1

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
ip rcmd remote-username User0

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
 
   
 
    
   
 If the switch IP address translates to Switch1.company.com, the .rhosts file for User0 on the RCP server should contain this line: 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch1.company.com Switch1

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
 
   
 
    
   
 For more information, see the documentation for your RCP server. 
 
     
    
    
    
   
 Downloading a Configuration File Using RCP 
 
    
   
 Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to download a configuration file by using RCP: 
 
    
   
 
 
   
 
    
 
      
      
      
 
         
        
        

          Command 
        
 		 
        
        

          Purpose 
        
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 1  
 		 
       
 configure terminal 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# configure terminal 

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Enters global configuration mode. 
 
 This step is required only if you override the default remote username. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 2  
 		 
       
 ip rcmd remote-username username 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch(config)# ip rcmd remote-username 
netadmin1

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Specifies the remote username. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 3  
 		 
       
 end 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch(confg)# end 

 
        
 
       
 Returns to privileged EXEC mode. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 4  
 		 
       
 copy rcp:[[[//[username@]location]/directory]/filename] system:running-config 
 
 or 
 
 copy rcp:[[[//[username@]location]/directory]/filename] nvram:startup-config 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# copy rcp: system:running-config 

 
        
 
       
 Using RCP, copies the configuration file from a network server to the running configuration or to the startup configuration file. 
 		 
      
 
      
    
 
   
 
   
 
 
    
   
 This example shows how to copy a configuration file named host1-confg from the netadmin1 directory on the remote server with an IP address of 172.16.101.101 and load and run those commands on the switch: 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# copy rcp://netadmin1@172.16.101.101/host1-confg system:running-config 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Configure using host1-confg from 172.16.101.101? [confirm]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Connected to 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Loading 1112 byte file host1-confg:![OK]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
%SYS-5-CONFIG: Configured from host1-config by rcp from 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
 
   
 
    
   
 This example shows how to specify a remote username of netadmin1 and copy the configuration file host2-confg from the netadmin1 directory on the remote server with an IP address of 172.16.101.101 to the startup configuration: 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# configure terminal

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch(config)# ip rcmd remote-username netadmin1

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch(config)# end

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# copy rcp: nvram:startup-config 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Address of remote host [255.255.255.255]? 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Name of configuration file[rtr2-confg]? host2-confg

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Configure using host2-confg from 172.16.101.101?[confirm]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Connected to 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Loading 1112 byte file host2-confg:![OK]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
[OK]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
%SYS-5-CONFIG_NV:Non-volatile store configured from host2-config by rcp from 
172.16.101.101

 
   
 
     
    
    
    
   
 Uploading a Configuration File Using RCP 
 
    
   
 Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to upload a configuration file by using RCP: 
 
    
   
 
 
   
 
    
 
      
      
      
 
         
        
        

          Command 
        
 		 
        
        

          Purpose 
        
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 1  
 		 
       
 configure terminal 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# configure terminal 

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Enters global configuration mode. 
 
 This step is required only if you override the default remote username. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 2  
 		 
       
 ip rcmd remote-username username 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch(config)# ip rcmd remote-username 
netadmin1

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Specifies the remote username. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 3  
 		 
       
 end 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch(confg)# end 

 
        
 
       
 Returns to privileged EXEC mode. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 4  
 		 
       
 copy system:running-config rcp:[[[//[username@]location]/directory]/filename] 
 
 or 
 
 copy nvram:startup-config rcp:[[[//[username@]location]/directory]/filename] 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# copy system:running-config rcp:

 
        
 
       
 Using RCP, copies the specified configuration file from the switch running to the specified network server. 
 		 
      
 
      
    
 
   
 
   
 
 
    
   
 This example shows how to copy the running configuration file named switch2-confg to the netadmin1 directory on the remote host with an IP address of 172.16.101.101: 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# copy system:running-config rcp://netadmin1@172.16.101.101/switch2-confg

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Write file switch-confg on host 172.16.101.101?[confirm]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Building configuration...[OK]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Connected to 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# 

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
 
   
 
    
   
 This example shows how to store a startup configuration file on a server: 
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# configure terminal

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch(config)# ip rcmd remote-username netadmin2

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch(config)# end

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Switch# copy nvram:startup-config rcp:

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Remote host[]? 172.16.101.101

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Name of configuration file to write [switch2-confg]?

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
Write file switch2-confg on host 172.16.101.101?[confirm]

 
   
 
    
   
 
    
![OK]

 
   
 
     
    
    
   
 Clearing Configuration Information 
 
    
   
 You can clear the configuration information from the startup configuration. If you reboot the switch with no startup configuration, the switch enters the setup program so that you can reconfigure the switch with new settings. 
 
     
    
    
   
 Clearing the Startup Configuration File 
 
    
   
 To clear the contents of your startup configuration, use the erase nvram: or the erase startup-config privileged EXEC command. 
 
   
 
     
   
 
   
 
    
   
 
    Caution  
    You cannot restore the startup configuration file after it has been deleted. 
   
 
   
 
     
    
    
   
 Deleting a Stored Configuration File 
 
    
   
 To delete a saved configuration from flash memory, use the delete flash:filename privileged EXEC command. Depending on the setting of the file prompt global configuration command, you might be prompted for confirmation before you delete a file. By default, the switch prompts for confirmation on destructive file operations. 
 
   
 
     
   
 
   
 
    
   
 
    Caution  
    You cannot restore a file after it has been deleted. 
   
 
   
 
     
    
    
   
 Replacing and Rolling Back Configurations 
 
    
    
    
    
    
   
 The configuration replacement and rollback feature replaces the running configuration with any saved Cisco IOS configuration file. You can use the rollback function to roll back to a previous configuration. 
 
    
   
 •Understanding Configuration Replacement and Rollback 
 
    
   
 •Configuration Guidelines 
 
    
   
 •Replacing or Rollling Back a Configuration 
 
     
    
    
   
 Understanding Configuration Replacement and Rollback 
 
    
   
 •Archiving a Configuration 
 
    
   
 •Replacing a Configuration 
 
    
   
 •Rolling Back a Configuration 
 
     
    
    
    
   
 Archiving a Configuration 
 
    
    
   
 The configuration archive provides a method to store, organize, and manage an archive of configuration files. The configure replace privileged EXEC command increases the configuration rollback capability. As an alternative, you can save copies of the running configuration by using the copy running-config destination-url privileged EXEC command, storing the replacement file either locally or remotely. However, this method lacks any automated file management. The configuration replacement and rollback feature can automatically save copies of the running configuration to the configuration archive. 
 
    
   
 The Cisco IOS configuration archive, in which the configuration files are stored and available for use with the configure replace command, is in any of these file systems: FTP, HTTP, RCP, TFTP. 
 
     
    
    
    
   
 Replacing a Configuration 
 
    
   
 The configure replace privileged EXEC command replaces the running configuration with any saved configuration file. When you enter the configure replace command, the running configuration is compared with the specified replacement configuration, and a set of configuration differences is generated. The resulting differences are used to replace the configuration. The configuration replacement operation is usually completed in no more than three passes. To prevent looping behavior, no more than five passes are performed. 
 
    
   
 You can use the copy source-url running-config privileged EXEC command to copy a stored configuration file to the running configuration. When using this command as an alternative to the configure replace target-url privileged EXEC command, note these major differences: 
 
    
   
 •The copy source-url running-config command is a merge operation and preserves all the commands from both the source file and the running configuration. This command does not remove commands from the running configuration that are not present in the source file. In contrast, the configure replace target-url command removes commands from the running configuration that are not present in the replacement file and adds commands to the running configuration that are not present. 
 
    
   
 •You can use a partial configuration file as the source file for the copy source-url running-config command. You must use a complete configuration file as the replacement file for the configure replace target-url command. 
 
     
    
    
    
   
 Rolling Back a Configuration 
 
    
   
 You can also use the configure replace command to roll back changes that were made since the previous configuration was saved. Instead of basing the rollback operation on a specific set of changes that were applied, the configuration rollback capability reverts to a specific configuration based on a saved configuration file. 
 
    
   
 If you want the configuration rollback capability, you must first save the running configuration before making any configuration changes. Then, after entering configuration changes, you can use that saved configuration file to roll back the changes by using the configure replace target-url command. 
 
    
   
 You can specify any saved configuration file as the rollback configuration. You are not limited to a fixed number of rollbacks, as is the case in some rollback models. 
 
     
    
    
   
 Configuration Guidelines 
 
    
    
   
 Follow these guidelines when configuring and performing configuration replacement and rollback: 
 
    
   
 •Make sure that the switch has free memory larger than the combined size of the two configuration files (the running configuration and the saved replacement configuration). Otherwise, the configuration replacement operation fails. 
 
    
   
 •Make sure that the switch also has sufficient free memory to execute the configuration replacement or rollback configuration commands. 
 
    
   
 •Certain configuration commands, such as those pertaining to physical components of a networking device (for example, physical interfaces), cannot be added or removed from the running configuration. 
 
    
   
 –A configuration replacement operation cannot remove the interface interface-id command line from the running configuration if that interface is physically present on the device. 
 
    
   
 –The interface interface-id command line cannot be added to the running configuration if that interface is not physically present on the device. 
 
    
   
 •When using the configure replace command, you must specify a saved configuration as the replacement configuration file for the running configuration. The replacement file must be a complete configuration generated by a Cisco IOS device (for example, a configuration generated by the copy running-config destination-url command). 
 
   
 
     
   
 
   
 
    
   
 Note If you generate the replacement configuration file externally, it must comply with the format of files generated by Cisco IOS devices. 
 
   
 
     
    
    
   
 Replacing or Rollling Back a Configuration 
 
    
   
 Starting in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to replace the running configuration file with a saved configuration file: 
 
    
   
 
 
   
 
    
 
      
      
      
 
         
        
        

          Command 
        
 		 
        
        

          Purpose 
        
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 1  
 		 
       
 configure replace target-url [list] [force] [time seconds] [nolock] 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# configure replace 
flash:startup-config time 120

 
        
 
       
 Replaces the running configuration file with a saved configuration file. 
 
 target-url—URL (accessible by the file system) of the saved configuration file that is to replace the running configuration. 
 
 list—Displays a list of the command entries applied by the software parser during each pass of the configuration replacement operation. The total number of passes also appears. 
 
 force— Replaces the running configuration file with the specified saved configuration file without prompting you for confirmation. 
 
 time seconds—Specifies the time (in seconds) within which you must enter the configure confirm command to confirm replacement of the running configuration file. If you do not enter the configure confirm command within the specified time limit, the configuration replacement operation is automatically stopped. (In other words, the running configuration file is restored to the configuration that existed before you entered the configure replace command). 
 
 Note You must first enable the configuration archive before you can use the time seconds command line option. 
 
 nolock—Disables the locking of the running configuration file that prevents other users from changing the running configuration during a configuration replacement operation. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 2  
 		 
       
 configure confirm  
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# configure confirm 

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Confirms replacement of the running configuration with a saved configuration file. 
 
 Note Use this command only if the time seconds keyword and argument of the configure replace command are specified. 
 		 
      
 
      
 
       
 Step 3  
 		 
       
 show running-config 
  
        

          Example: 
        
  
        
 
         
Switch# show running-config

 
        
 
       
 (Optional) Displays the contents of the running configuration.