Managing System Files
You can choose the firmware file from which the switch boots. You can also copy file types internally on the switch, or to or from an external device, such as a PC.
The methods of file transfer are:
Configuration files on the switch are defined by their type, and contain the settings and parameter values for the device. When a configuration is referenced on the switch, it is referenced by its configuration file type, as opposed a file name that can be modified by the user. Content can be copied from one file type to another, but the names of the file types cannot be changed by the user. Other files on the device include firmware, boot code, and log files, and are referred to as operational files.
The configuration files are text files and can be edited by a user in a text editor, such as Notepad after they are copied to an external device, such as a PC.
Files and File Types
The following types of configuration and operational files are found on the switch:
- Running Configuration--Parameters that are currently used by the switch to operate. It is the only file type that is modified by you when the parameter values are changed by using one of the configuration interfaces, and must be manually saved to be preserved.
If the switch is rebooted, the Running Configuration is lost. When the switch is rebooted, this file type is copied from the Startup Configuration stored in Flash to the Running Configuration stored in RAM.
To preserve any changes made to the switch, you must save the Running Configuration to the Startup Configuration, or another file type if you do not want the switch to reboot with this configuration. If you have saved the Running Configuration to the Startup Configuration, when the switch is rebooted, it recreates a Running Configuration that includes the changes you have made since the last time the Running Configuration was saved to the Startup Configuration.
- Startup Configuration--The parameter values that were saved by you by copying another configuration (usually the Running Configuration) to the Startup Configuration.
The Startup Configuration is retained in Flash and is preserved any time the switch is rebooted. When it is rebooted, the Startup Configuration is copied to RAM and identified as the Running Configuration.
- Backup Configuration--A manual copy of the parameter definitions for protection against system shutdown or for the maintenance of a specific operating state. You can copy the Mirror Configuration, Startup Configuration, or Running Configuration to a Backup Configuration file. The Backup Configuration exists in Flash and is preserved if the device is rebooted.
- Mirror Configuration--A copy of the Startup Configuration, created by the switch after:
Only the system can copy the Startup Configuration to the Mirror Configuration. However, you can copy from the Mirror Configuration to other file types or to another device.
If the switch is rebooted, the Mirror Configuration is reset to the factory default parameters. In all other aspects, the Mirror Configuration behaves the same as a Backup Configuration, providing a copy of the parameter values that is preserved if the switch is rebooted.
- Firmware--The program that controls the operations and functionality of the switch. More commonly referred to as the image.
- Boot Code--Controls the basic system startup and launches the firmware image.
- Language File--The dictionary that allows the windows to be displayed in the selected language.
- Flash Log--SYSLOG messages stored in Flash memory.
File Actions
The following actions can be performed to manage firmware and configuration files:
- Upgrade the firmware or boot code, or replace a language as described in Upgrade/Backup Firmware/Language section.
- Save configuration files on the switch to a location on another device as described in the Downloading or Backing-up a Configuration or Log section.
- Clear the Startup Configuration or Backup Configuration file types as described in the Displaying Configuration File Properties section.
- Copy one configuration file type onto another configuration file type as described in the Copying Configuration Files section.
- Automatically upload a configuration file from a TFTP server to the switch as described in the Setting DHCP Auto Configuration section.
CAUTION Unless the Running Configuration is manually copied to the Startup Configuration, Backup Configuration, or an external file, all changes made since the last time the file was saved are lost when the switch is rebooted. We recommend that you save the Running Configuration to the Startup Configuration before logging off to preserve any changes you made during this session.
A red X icon, displayed to the left of the Save application link at the top right of the screen, indicates that configuration changes have been made and have not yet been saved to the Startup Configuration file.
When you click Save, the Copy/Save Configuration page is displayed. Save the Running Configuration file by copying it to the Startup Configuration file. After this save, the red X icon and the Save link is hidden.
This section describes how configuration and log files are managed.
It includes the following topics: