Courseiva
SystemPrivileged EXEC

copy running-config tftp:

Copies the current running configuration from RAM to a TFTP server for backup or distribution.

Syntax·Privileged EXEC
copy running-config tftp:

When to Use This Command

  • Backing up the running configuration before making major changes
  • Restoring a known-good configuration to another router
  • Distributing a standard configuration to multiple devices
  • Archiving configurations for compliance or auditing

Command Examples

Basic backup to TFTP server

copy running-config tftp:
Address or name of remote host []? 192.168.1.100
Destination filename [router-confg]? router-backup-20250321
!!
%Error opening tftp://192.168.1.100/router-backup-20250321 (Permission denied)

or

Address or name of remote host []? 192.168.1.100
Destination filename [router-confg]? router-backup-20250321
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[OK - 12345 bytes]
12345 bytes copied in 0.234 secs (52756 bytes/sec)

The command prompts for the TFTP server IP (192.168.1.100) and filename (router-backup-20250321). The exclamation marks indicate successful transfer progress. The final line shows bytes copied and transfer rate. If permission denied, check TFTP server directory permissions.

Specifying source and destination in one line

copy running-config tftp://192.168.1.100/running-config-backup
Destination filename [running-config-backup]? 
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[OK - 12345 bytes]
12345 bytes copied in 0.234 secs (52756 bytes/sec)

By providing the full URL, the command skips the host prompt. It still asks for filename confirmation (press Enter to accept). The output confirms successful copy with byte count and speed.

Understanding the Output

The output begins with prompts for the TFTP server address and filename. After entering the information, the router attempts to connect to the TFTP server. If successful, a series of exclamation marks (!) appear, each representing a successful packet transfer. The final line shows the total bytes copied, the time taken, and the transfer rate in bytes per second. If the transfer fails, an error message like '%Error opening tftp://...' appears, often due to incorrect IP, no TFTP server running, or permission issues. A successful transfer is indicated by '[OK - <bytes>]' and the byte count. Watch for 'Permission denied' or 'timeout' errors, which indicate server configuration problems.

CCNA Exam Tips

1.

Remember that 'copy running-config tftp:' is a privileged EXEC command; you must be in enable mode.

2.

The TFTP server must be reachable and have appropriate write permissions; the exam may test troubleshooting failed transfers.

3.

The default filename is 'router-confg' (note the missing 'i' in 'config') — a common trick on the exam.

4.

Know that 'copy running-config tftp:' backs up the active configuration, while 'copy startup-config tftp:' backs up the saved configuration.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to specify the correct TFTP server IP or filename, leading to failed transfers.

Not ensuring the TFTP server is running and accessible from the router (firewall, ACLs).

Confusing 'copy running-config tftp:' with 'copy tftp: running-config' — the latter restores a config, not backs up.

Related Commands

show running-config

Displays the current active configuration in DRAM, showing all non-default settings.

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