HP Saving the running configuration, Introduction, Modes in saving the configuration, Startup with the configuration file

Coexistence of multiple configuration files

The switch can save multiple configuration files on its storage media. You can save the configurations used in different networking environments as different configuration files. When the switch moves between networking environments, specify the configuration file as the startup configuration file of the switch and then restart the switch. Multiple configuration files allow the switch to adapt to a network rapidly, saving the configuration workload.

A switch starts up using only one configuration file. However, you can specify two startup configuration files, main startup configuration file and backup startup configuration file as needed when the switch has main and backup configuration files. The switch starts up using the main startup configuration file. If the main startup configuration file is corrupted or lost, the switches starts up using the backup startup configuration file. Switches supporting main and backup startup configuration files are more secure and reliable.

At a moment, the switch has at most one main startup configuration file and one backup startup configuration file. You can specify neither of the two files (displayed as NULL).

You can specify main and backup startup configuration files using one of the following methods:

•Specify them when saving the running configuration. For more information, see “Saving the running configuration.”

•Specify them when specifying the startup configuration file. For more information, see “Specifying a startup configuration file to be used at the next system startup.”

Startup with the configuration file

The switch takes the following steps when it starts up:

1.If the main startup configuration file you specified exists, the switch starts up with this configuration file.

2.If the main startup configuration file you specified does not exist but the backup startup configuration file exists, the switch starts up with the backup startup configuration file.

3.If neither the main nor the backup startup configuration file exists, the switch starts up with null configuration.

Saving the running configuration

Introduction

To make configuration changes take effect at the next startup of the switch, save the running configuration to the startup configuration file to be used at the next startup before the switch reboots.

Modes in saving the configuration

•Fast saving mode. This is the mode when you use the save command without the safely keyword. The mode saves the file more quickly but is likely to lose the existing configuration file if the switch reboots or the power fails during the process.

•Safe mode. This is the mode when you use the save command with the safely keyword. The mode saves the file more slowly but can retain the configuration file in the switch even if the switch reboots or the power fails during the process.

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