The Copy Running-Config Startup-Config Cisco command

The ‘copy running-config startup-config’ command in Cisco networking is utilized to save the present configuration of a device to its non-volatile memory, typically flash or NVRAM. This action ensures that the running configuration, which contains all active settings and configurations, becomes the startup configuration.

To use this command, ensure that you are in the privileged EXEC mode of the Cisco device. The syntax for the command is:

copy running-config startup-config

Execution of this command prompts the user to confirm the operation, as it overwrites the existing startup configuration. Once confirmed, the command securely saves the running configuration to the startup configuration.

The ‘copy running-config startup-config’ command plays a vital role in maintaining the stability and integrity of a Cisco device’s configuration. Here are some key points about its functionality:

• Applicability: This command can be used on a wide range of Cisco devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls. It is compatible with various platforms, including IOS, IOS-XE, and NX-OS.
• Non-volatile Storage: The startup configuration is stored in non-volatile memory, ensuring that the configuration persists even when the device is powered off or rebooted.
• Configuration Persistence: By saving the running configuration to the startup configuration, any changes or modifications made to the device’s configuration during an active session are preserved. This prevents the loss of configuration upon a device reboot or power outage.
• Configuration Rollback: In the event of a configuration error or malfunction, the ‘copy running-config startup-config’ command allows network administrators to restore the device’s configuration by copying the startup configuration back to the running configuration.
• Recovery from Hardware Failure: In case of hardware failure or device replacement, the startup configuration can be copied to the new device or restored on the repaired device, minimizing downtime and maintaining network stability.

To conclude, the ‘copy running-config startup-config’ command is a crucial tool for managing Cisco devices. It facilitates the secure storage of the running configuration, ensuring that the device’s configuration remains intact and recoverable, even in the face of power outages, reboots, hardware failures, or misconfigurations. By utilizing this command, network administrators can maintain network stability and integrity, simplify device management, and enhance operational resilience.

copy running-config startup-config Usage Examples

The Cisco command “copy running-config startup-config” is used to save the current running configuration to the startup configuration file. This ensures that the running configuration is retained after a reboot or power cycle.

Here are some examples of how this command can be used:

1. Basic Usage:

   copy running-config startup-config
   

   This command simply copies the current running configuration to the startup configuration file. It overwrites any existing startup configuration.

2. Copying a Specific Configuration to Startup:

   copy running-config startup-config tftp://192.168.1.1/config.txt
   

   This command copies the running configuration to a TFTP server at the specified IP address and file path. It does not overwrite the existing startup configuration.

3. Copying a Specific Configuration to Startup with Verification:

   copy running-config startup-config verify
   

   This command copies the running configuration to the startup configuration file and prompts for verification before overwriting the existing startup configuration.

4. Copying a Specific Configuration to Startup with Comments:

   copy running-config startup-config comment "New Configuration"
   

   This command copies the running configuration to the startup configuration file and includes a comment to indicate the purpose or reason for the change.

5. Copying a Configuration from a TFTP Server to Startup:

   copy tftp://192.168.1.1/config.txt startup-config
   

   This command copies a configuration file from a TFTP server to the startup configuration file. It overwrites any existing startup configuration.

6. Copying a Configuration from a USB Flash Drive to Startup:

   copy usb 0:/config.txt startup-config
   

   This command copies a configuration file from a USB flash drive to the startup configuration file. It overwrites any existing startup configuration.

7. Copying a Specific Configuration to Startup and Reloading the Device:

   copy running-config startup-config reload
   

   This command copies the running configuration to the startup configuration file and immediately reloads the device. The device will boot up with the new startup configuration.

These are just a few examples of how the “copy running-config startup-config” command can be used to manage and save the configuration of Cisco devices.