How to Backup and Restore MikroTik Configuration: A Step-by-Step Guide

Backing up and restoring your MikroTik router’s configuration is crucial for ensuring the safety of your network settings. Whether you're about to make significant changes or just want to safeguard your configurations, this guide will walk you through the process using Winbox.

1. Backing Up Your MikroTik Configuration

Step 1: Open Winbox
First, log in to your MikroTik router using Winbox.

Step 2: Export the Configuration
Once you're logged in, open the New Terminal by navigating to New Terminal in Winbox.

In the terminal window, type the following command to export your router’s configuration:

Copy 
export file=backup


This command creates a file named backup.rsc that contains all of your current router settings.

Step 3: Download the Backup File
Next, go to the Files section in Winbox.
You will see the backup.rsc file listed there.
Right-click on the file and select Download to save a copy of your backup configuration to your local computer.

2. Resetting MikroTik to Factory Default
If you need to reset your MikroTik router to its factory settings, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to System -> Reset Configuration
In Winbox, navigate to System -> Reset Configuration.
Step 2: Disable Default Configuration and Backup
Check the options for No Default Configuration and Not Backup. This ensures that no default configurations are applied and that no current configuration is saved during the reset.
Step 3: Reset the Router
Finally, click the Reset Configuration button. This will reset your router to its factory state.

3. Restoring Your Configuration from a Backup
If you want to restore your previously backed-up configuration, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Backup File
Locate the backup.rsc file you downloaded earlier and open it with a text editor, such as Notepad.
Step 2: Copy the Configuration
Copy the entire contents of the backup.rsc file.
Step 3: Paste the Configuration into Winbox
Go back to Winbox and open the New Terminal.
Paste the copied configuration into the terminal and press Enter. This will restore your router to the backed-up configuration.
Conclusion
Backing up and restoring your MikroTik configuration is a simple but essential task for maintaining your network settings. By following these steps, you can easily safeguard your router configuration and restore it whenever necessary, ensuring minimal downtime and hassle.

Let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance!

Last update on Oct 19, 2024

Tags: mikrotik