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, go to 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 and less than 10% of the total storage capacity. Though available storage might show as less than 512MB in Fireware Web UI and Policy Manager, Backup and Restore Image page, you can save a new backup image to the Firebox if the available storage space is more than 10% of the total storage capacity.

In Fireware v12.10 or higher, in Fireware Web UI and Policy Manager, on the Backup and Restore Image page, the available storage space shows in MB and as a percentage.

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, go to Save the Configuration File.

Related Topics

Restore a Firebox Backup Image

About WatchGuard Passphrases and Keys

Use a USB drive for system backup and restore