What is the recommended method to preserve configuration when upgrading RouterOS?

What is the recommended method to preserve configuration when upgrading RouterOS?

• A. Export the current configuration with /export and/or create a binary backup with /system backup save; keep backups off-device
• B. Backup the current configuration on-device
• C. Export only the current configuration with /export
• D. Update RouterOS without saving anything

Answer: (D)

Preserving configuration during a RouterOS upgrade means making a safe copy of what you’ve configured before you proceed. The recommended approach is to export the current configuration with a command like /export and/or create a binary backup with /system backup save, and keep those backups off the device. Exporting writes the active settings as a script of CLI commands you can re-run to restore the configuration, which is helpful for recreating the setup on the same model or a new one. A binary backup captures the router’s full state, including files and settings, allowing a faster restore if the upgrade goes smoothly or if you need to revert. Keeping backups off-device protects them from device failure, loss, or damage, ensuring you can recover even if the hardware is compromised. In contrast, upgrading without saving anything leaves you with no documented path to restore your configuration, and backing up only on-device risks losing the backup if the device fails. Exporting only covers the textual configuration but not the full system state or files that might be required for a complete restoration.

Preserving configuration during a RouterOS upgrade means making a safe copy of what you’ve configured before you proceed. The recommended approach is to export the current configuration with a command like /export and/or create a binary backup with /system backup save, and keep those backups off the device. Exporting writes the active settings as a script of CLI commands you can re-run to restore the configuration, which is helpful for recreating the setup on the same model or a new one. A binary backup captures the router’s full state, including files and settings, allowing a faster restore if the upgrade goes smoothly or if you need to revert. Keeping backups off-device protects them from device failure, loss, or damage, ensuring you can recover even if the hardware is compromised.

In contrast, upgrading without saving anything leaves you with no documented path to restore your configuration, and backing up only on-device risks losing the backup if the device fails. Exporting only covers the textual configuration but not the full system state or files that might be required for a complete restoration.