You can save a backup image to a USB drive or storage device connected to your computer. If you save the configuration files for multiple devices to the same USB drive, you can attach the USB drive to any of those devices for recovery.
When you save the backup image to a USB drive connected to your management computer, you must manually create on the USB drive the correct directories for the serial number and flash-image for each device (if they do not already exist). You must save the backup image in the correct directory on the USB drive if you later want to connect the USB drive to a device and use it for recovery.
Before You Begin
It is important to understand the USB Drive Directory Structure used by the USB backup and restore feature. If you do not save the backup image in the correct location, the device cannot find it when you attach the USB drive to the device.
Save the Backup Image
In Fireware 12.2.1 or higher, to save a backup image to a USB drive connected to your computer, follow the steps in Export a Backup Image Stored on the Firebox.
In Fireware 12.2 and lower, to save a backup image to a USB drive connected to your computer, follow the steps in Create a Backup Image (Fireware 12.2 and lower).
When you select the location to save the file, select the drive letter of the USB drive attached to your computer. If you want the backup image you save to be recognized by the Firebox when you attach the USB drive to the device, make sure to save the backup in the \flash-images folder, in the directory that is named with the serial number of your device.
For example, if your Firebox serial number is 70A10003C0A3D, save the backup image file to this location on the USB drive:
\70A10003C0A3D\flash-images\
Designate a Backup Image for Auto-restore
If you want to automatically restore a backup image when the device is in recovery mode, you must connect the USB drive to the device and designate the backup image to use for auto-restore, as described in Automatically Restore a Backup Image from a USB Drive.
If you manually save a backup image to the auto-restore directory on the USB drive, the auto-restore process does not operate correctly.