more [file]
Displays the contents of a file stored in the router's flash memory or other file systems, commonly used to view configuration files, logs, or text files.
more [file]When to Use This Command
- View the startup configuration file (startup-config) to verify saved settings.
- Inspect a log file (e.g., crashinfo) to troubleshoot router crashes.
- Read a text file (e.g., a script or notes) stored on flash.
- Verify the contents of a configuration file before copying it to another device.
Command Examples
View startup configuration
more nvram:startup-configBuilding configuration... Current configuration : 1234 bytes ! version 15.2 service timestamps debug datetime msec service timestamps log datetime msec no service password-encryption ! hostname Router1 ! interface GigabitEthernet0/0 ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 duplex auto speed auto ! interface GigabitEthernet0/1 ip address 10.0.0.1 255.255.255.0 duplex auto speed auto ! end
The output shows the startup configuration stored in NVRAM. 'Building configuration...' indicates the file is being read. Each line is a configuration command. Key fields: 'version' shows IOS version, 'hostname' is the device name, 'interface' sections show IP addresses and settings. The 'end' marks the end of the configuration.
View a text file on flash
more flash:backup-config.txt! Backup configuration taken on 2025-01-15 ! hostname Router1 ! interface GigabitEthernet0/0 ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 ! end
This displays the contents of a text file named 'backup-config.txt' on flash. The output shows the file's content line by line. Comments (lines starting with '!') are included. The file ends with 'end'.
Understanding the Output
The 'more' command outputs the file content line by line, pausing after each screenful (press Space to continue, Enter for next line, or Ctrl-C to quit). The output is plain text exactly as stored. For configuration files, each line is a Cisco IOS command. Look for 'Building configuration...' at the start. Comments (lines starting with '!') are informational. The 'end' line marks the end of the configuration. In log files, timestamps and severity levels are important. Good values: no error messages, correct syntax. Bad values: unexpected characters, truncated lines, or 'File not found' error.
CCNA Exam Tips
CCNA exam may ask which command to use to view the startup configuration without entering config mode — 'more nvram:startup-config' is correct.
Remember that 'more' works with any file system (flash:, nvram:, etc.) and is case-sensitive for filenames.
The 'more' command pauses output; know that Space scrolls a page, Enter scrolls a line, and Ctrl-C aborts.
Be aware that 'more' can display binary files but output will be garbled; it's intended for text files.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting to specify the file system (e.g., 'more startup-config' instead of 'more nvram:startup-config') — results in '% Invalid input detected'.
Using 'more' on a directory instead of a file — outputs a list of files, not contents.
Typing the filename incorrectly (case-sensitive) — results in 'File not found' error.
Related Commands
dir [flash:|nvram:|bootflash:]
Lists the contents of a specified file system (flash, nvram, or bootflash) on a Cisco IOS device, showing file names, sizes, dates, and available space.
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.
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