Technical Tip: Backup FortiGate config on a USB thumb drive (CLI/Console and GUI)

[aabdhadi]

Description

This article describes how to take backup FortiGate config on a USB thumb drive (CLI/Console and GUI).

Scope

FortiGate version 6.4.8.

Solution

Backup FortiGate configuration on a USB thumb drive.

CLI/Console guide.

1. Log into the CLI.
2. Enter the command below to backup the configuration file.

execute backup config usb <backup_filename>   <Enter>|<backup_password>

     3. Enter the command below to verify the configuration file are on the key.

exec usb-disk list

Note.

FortiGate will automount FAT and vFAT formatted USB.

     4. To restore the backup configuration in CLI.

Log into CLI/Console and enter the command below.

execute restore config usb <backup_filename>   <Enter>|<backup_password>

Do you want to continue? (y/n) <----- Type 'y'.

To backup/restore a VDOM configuration, enter into that VDOM first then use the above-mentioned commands.

config vdom
    edit <vdom_name>

GUI guide:

1. Log into GUI.

     2. Select the profile/admin icon on the top right-hand side in GUI to search for the Backup tab: 'admin/profile'  icon  -> Configuration  -> Backup.

     3. In the Backup System Configuration tab, select 'USB disk' as the backup option (Make sure the USB thumb drive is attached to a physical device). Fill in the filename and select 'OK'.

Note.

Enable the 'Encryption' option to encrypt the backup file with a password.

     4. To restore the backup configuration in GUI.

Log into GUI and select the profile/admin icon on the top right-hand side in GUI to search for the 'Restore' tab.

Go to 'admin/profile' icon  -> Configuration  -> Restore.

     5. In the Restore System Configuration tab, select 'USB disk' as the backup option (Make sure the USB thumb drive is attached to a physical device).

Select the correct backup filename and select 'OK'.

Note.

Enter the correct password if the backup file has been encrypted with a password during backup. Leave it blank if otherwise.

     6. Select 'OK', the device will reboot for a few minutes to restore the backup config.

Related articles:

Technical Tip: Backup and restore configuration file from a thumb drive (USB).

To back up the FortiGate configuration - GUI