copy running-config startup-config
Saves the current running configuration to the startup configuration file in NVRAM, ensuring changes persist after a router reload.
copy running-config startup-configWhen to Use This Command
- After making configuration changes to a router, save them so they survive a reboot.
- Before performing a critical upgrade or maintenance, back up the current configuration.
- When deploying a new router, save the initial configuration to make it permanent.
- After troubleshooting and applying a fix, save the working configuration to avoid losing the fix.
Command Examples
Basic save of running config to startup config
copy running-config startup-configDestination filename [startup-config]? Building configuration... [OK]
The router prompts for confirmation of the destination filename (default is startup-config). Press Enter to accept. 'Building configuration...' indicates the config is being written to NVRAM. '[OK]' confirms success.
Saving with explicit destination filename
copy running-config nvram:startup-configDestination filename [startup-config]? Building configuration... [OK]
Specifying 'nvram:startup-config' explicitly does the same as the default. The output is identical. This variant is useful in scripts or when you want to be explicit.
Understanding the Output
The output of 'copy running-config startup-config' is minimal. The router first prompts 'Destination filename [startup-config]?' — simply press Enter to accept the default. Then it displays 'Building configuration...' while it compresses and writes the configuration to NVRAM. Finally, '[OK]' indicates success. If the command fails (e.g., NVRAM full), you'll see an error like '%Error copying running-config to startup-config (insufficient space)'. Always verify with 'show startup-config' after saving to ensure the configuration is correct.
CCNA Exam Tips
CCNA exam tip 1: The 'copy running-config startup-config' command is often abbreviated as 'wr' (write memory) on older IOS, but the full command is tested.
CCNA exam tip 2: Remember that 'copy running-config startup-config' overwrites the entire startup config; there is no merge.
CCNA exam tip 3: The exam may ask which command ensures configuration persists after reload — this is the correct answer.
CCNA exam tip 4: In the exam, you might need to identify the correct mode (Privileged EXEC) to execute this command.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Typing 'copy startup-config running-config' instead — this loads startup config into running config, overwriting current changes.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to save after making changes — the router will lose all changes on reload.
Mistake 3: Using 'copy running-config startup-config' from User EXEC mode (>) instead of Privileged EXEC (#) — the command will be rejected.
Related Commands
copy startup-config running-config
Copies the saved startup configuration (startup-config) into the active running configuration (running-config), effectively restoring the device to the state saved in NVRAM without a reboot.
show running-config
Displays the current active configuration in DRAM, showing all non-default settings.
show startup-config
Displays the saved configuration stored in NVRAM that loads on next device boot.
write memory
Saves the current running configuration to the startup configuration in NVRAM, ensuring changes persist after a reload.
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