Backing up the configuration

Once you successfully configure the FortiGate, it is extremely important that you back up the configuration. In some cases, you may need to reset the FortiGate to factory defaults or perform a TFTP upload of the firmware, which will erase the existing configuration. In these instances, the configuration on the device must be recreated, unless a backup can be used to restore it.

You can back up the configuration in FortiOS or YAML format. You have the option to save the configuration file in FortiOS format to various locations including the local PC and USB key.

To back up the configuration in FortiOS format using the GUI:

1. Click on the user name in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and select Configuration > Backup.

2. Direct the backup to your Local PC or to a USB Disk.

   The USB Disk option will not be available if no USB drive is inserted in the USB port. You can also backup to the FortiManager using the CLI.

3. If VDOMs are enabled, indicate whether the scope of the backup is the entire FortiGate configuration (Global) or only a specific VDOM configuration (VDOM).

   If backing up a VDOM configuration, select the VDOM name from the list.

4. Enable Encryption.

   This is recommended to secure your backup configurations and prevent unauthorized parties from reloading your configuration.

5. Enter a password, and enter it again to confirm it. This password will be required to restore the configuration.

6. Click OK.

7. When prompted, select a location on the PC or USB disk to save the configuration file. The configuration file will have a .conf extension.

To back up the configuration in YAML format using the GUI:

1. Click on the user name in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and select Configuration > Backup.
2. Direct the backup to your Local PC or to a USB Disk.

3. Select YAML for the File format.

4. Click OK.