Save a Firebox Backup Image

A backup image is a file that you can use to restore your Firebox to a previous state. A backup image is unique to a specific device and includes:

  • Configuration file
  • Certificates
  • Feature keys
  • Passphrases
  • DHCP leases
  • Mobile security device information (DIM) database
  • Event notification settings
  • Customer logo
  • Hotspot guest configuration files
  • Serial number
  • Platform and version information

Backup images saved in Fireware 12.2 and lower also include the Fireware OS.

Make sure to keep a record of the IP address and passphrases for management user accounts in the backup image. If you restore your Firebox from the backup image, you will need this information.

In Fireware v12.5.2 and higher, you can create a backup from WatchGuard Cloud Device Manager. For more information, see Manage Firebox Backup Images in WatchGuard Cloud.

Create a Backup Image and Save it to the Firebox (Fireware 12.2.1 and higher)

In Fireware 12.2.1 and higher, backup images are saved on the Firebox and do not include the Fireware operating system.

Backup images are saved in .fxi file format and have a default file name of <system name>-<firebox model>-backup-<YYYY-MM-DD-HH-mm-SS>-<Fireware OS version>.<build>.fxi.

If you use WatchGuard System Manager 12.2.1 or higher to manage a Firebox that runs Fireware 12.2 or lower, when you select File > Backup and Restore, the 12.2 user interface appears instead of the Backup and Restore Image page. Follow the steps in Create a Backup Image (Fireware 12.2 or lower).

You cannot save a new backup image to the Firebox if the available storage space is less than 512MB or less than 10% of the total storage capacity. You can see the available storage space in the Fireware Web UI, Backup and Restore Image page.

  1. Select System > Backup and Restore Image.
    The Backup and Restore Image page appears. Backup images stored on the Firebox are shown on the Firebox tab.

Screen shot of Backup and Restore Image page.

  1. Click Create Backup Image.
    The Add Backup Image Name dialog box appears.

Screen shot of Add Backup Image Name dialog box.

  1. Type a name for the backup image file.
  2. Click Save.
    The backup image file is saved to the Firebox.
  1. Select File > Backup and Restore.
    The Backup and Restore dialog box appears.

Screen shot of Backup and Restore login dialog box.

  1. Type the administrator passphrase. Click OK.
    The list of backup images stored on the Firebox appears.
  2. Click Create.
    The Create a Backup Image dialog box appears.

Screen shot of Create a Backup Image dialog box.

  1. Type a name for the backup image file.
  2. Click OK.
    The backup image file is saved to the Firebox.

Create a Backup Image (Fireware 12.2 and lower)

In Fireware 12.2 and lower, backup images are saved to a location off the Firebox and include the Fireware operating system.

To save a backup image, the Firebox must have sufficient available memory on the Firebox to create the image locally before it is saved. If the memory utilization on your Firebox is high, you might have to restart the Firebox to clear the temporary memory before you can successfully save a backup image.

Firebox T10, T15, and 2 Series models do not have enough available memory to create and save a backup image in Fireware 12.2 and lower. Before you upgrade Fireware on these models save the configuration to a file. For more information, see Save the Configuration File.

  1. Select System > Backup Image.
    The Backup Image page appears.

Screen shot of the Backup Image dialog box

  1. Type and confirm an encryption key. This key is used to encrypt the backup file. If you lose or forget this encryption key, you cannot restore the backup file.
  2. Click Backup.
  3. Select a location to save the backup image file and type a file name.
    The backup image is saved to the location you specify.
  1. Select File > Backup.
    The Backup dialog box appears.

Screen shot of the Backup dialog box

  1. In the Administrator User Name and Administrator Passphrase text boxes, type the credentials for a Device Administrator (read-write) user account.
  2. From the Authentication Server drop-down list, select the correct authentication server for the user account you specified.
  3. If you use an Active Directory server for authentication, in the Domain text box, type the domain name of your Active Directory server.
  4. Click OK.
    A second Backup dialog box appears.

Screen shot of the Backup dialog box

  1. Type and confirm an encryption key. This key is used to encrypt the backup file. If you lose or forget this encryption key, you cannot restore the backup file.
  2. Click Browse to select the directory in which to save the backup file.

The default location and filename for a backup file is
C:\Users\Public\Shared WatchGuard\backups\<Firebox IP address>-<date>.<fireware_version>.fxi

  1. Click OK.

See Also

Restore a Firebox Backup Image

About WatchGuard Passphrases and Keys

Use a USB drive for system backup and restore