Backing Up the Current Installation

You should back up the current installation so that you can return to the current software installation. In a dual Routing Engine system, you need to back up both Routing Engines. This section covers the following:

• Backing Up M-series, MX-series, T-series, and TX Matrix Routing Platforms
• Backing Up J-series Routers

Backing Up M-series, MX-series, T-series, and TX Matrix Routing Platforms

The installation process using the installation package (jinstall*, for example) removes all stored files on the router except the juniper.conf and SSH files. Therefore, you should back up your current configuration in case you need to return to the current software installation after running the installation program.

To back up the JUNOS software on the M-series, MX-series, T-series, and TX Matrix routing platforms, issue the request system snapshot CLI operational command. This command saves the current software installation on the hard drive.

Note: On M-series, MX-series, T-series, and TX Matrix routing platforms with dual Routing Engines, complete this operation on both Routing Engines. On routers without a CompactFlash card, where the hard drive is the primary boot device, you cannot back up your software installation.

When the request system snapshot command is issued, the /root file system is backed up to /altroot, and /config is backed up to /altconfig. The /root and /config file systems are on the router’s CompactFlash card, and the /altroot and /altconfig file systems are on the router’s hard disk. When the backup is completed, the current and backup software installations are identical.

To copy the files to the router’s hard disk, use the following command:

Backing Up J-series Routers

The installation process using the installation package (junos-jsr*) removes all stored files on the router except the juniper.conf and SSH files. Therefore, you should back up your current configuration in case you need to return to the current software installation after running the installation program.

These instructions offer the minimum steps required to create a backup during the installation process. For a complete description of the backup process on the J-series routers, see the J-series Services Router Administration Guide and the JUNOS Software Systems Basics Configuration Guide.

To back up the JUNOS software on the J-series routers:

1. Attach an external memory device to the router.

   Note: Even when attached to a J-series router,, a USB memory device is not listed as a storage device using the CLI command show system storage. You can view the installed USB memory device on the J-Web interface’s system monitor screen.

2. Issue the request system snapshot media usb command.

   The current software installation and configuration are saved on the external USB storage device.

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