Technical Tip: How to download FortiGate configuration file & Debug log from GUI

[sprasanta]

Description

This article describes how to download FortiGate configuration file from GUI.

Scope

FortiGate.

Solution

Go to Admin -> Configuration -> Backup select 'Local PC' in 'Backup to' and select'OK'.

The configuration file will be saved with the .conf extension:

Syntax: <hostname + firmware version + build number + date+ time>.conf

Example: 

photon-kvm38_7-4_2702_202501300257.conf

For v7.2.0:

• 'Password masking' feature is available, which will replace passwords in the configuration backup file.

• Backups can be saved in either the FortiOS format or YAML format. Generally, the FortiOS format is recommended for configuration backups.

There are two steps involved in obtaining the debug logs and TAC report.

1. From the GUI: Go to System -> Advanced  -> Debug  Logs and select 'Download Debug Logs' (up to version 6.2.2). Go to System -> Settings -> Debug Logs and select the 'Download' button (from v6.2.3 onward). Go to System -> Settings -> FortiCare Debug Report and select the 'Download' button (from v7.4.0 onward).
                                                    

Debug logs from v6.2.3 onwards.

FortiCare Debug Report from v7.4.0 onward.

2. Save the file.
   
   

From the CLI management interface via SSH or console connection:

In the command line, run the following command and let the script run until complete. 

This will take a few seconds. 

    execute tac report

Note: The 'super_admin' permission is required to download the debug log file and run the 'execute tac report' command.