General.Backup running config

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This activity will make a backup of a device's running configuration and compare it to the current config file on disk. If there are differences, the current config is moved to the "Dated Configs" folder and the filename is appended with the current date. The newly downloaded config then becomes the current config. An HTML "diff" report is created in the "Reports" folder and a copy is e-mailed to the nominated person.

How it works. Step by step:

1.	A connection is made via SSH or telnet to the device

2.	The "Show running configuration" (or similar) command is issued

3.	The config is collected and stored on disk in a temporary file

4.	A check is made to see if there is an existing config file on disk for this device

5.	If not, the newly downloaded config is placed in the "Configs" folder as the current device backup

6.	If a current config file is present, it is compared to the newly downloaded config

7.	A text and HTML report is made of the differences (if any) and stored in the "Reports" folder

8.	If differences are found, a copy of the difference report is sent via e-mail

9.	The current config file is moved into the "Dated configs" folder and appended with the current date

10.	The newly downloaded config file is put in the "Configs" folder and becomes the current device backup

Activity Options:

Use alternate command:
The command issued to backup the running config will depend on the device type. For example, a Cisco router will be sent the command "Show running-config". If you wanted to send a different command, enter it in this field. Remember that the command must be suitable for all the devices selected for this activity. If your alternate command is only suitable for a Cisco VPN, then make sure only Cisco VPN devices are selected under the devices tab.

Current config file:
Specifies the folder and file name of where to store the current device configuration.

Default: C:\Program files\Cattools2\Configs\%GroupName%\Config.Current.Running.%BaseFile%.txt

The variables %GroupName% and %BaseFile% will be replaced at run time and produce a folder and file name.

For example:
C:\Program files\Cattools2\Configs\Default\Config.Current.Running.Sales_Router.txt

This value is where any new configuration files will be stored. If an existing file exists a comparison will be done against the newly downloaded file. If there are no changes, no files will be modified.

Dated config file:
Specifies the folder and file name of where to store dated configuration files. The current file is moved to the dated config folder when changes are detected.
Default: C:\Program files\Cattools2\Dated Configs\%GroupName%\Config.Dated.Running.%BaseFile%.%DateISO%-%TimeHHMM%.txt
                     
The variables %GroupName%, %BaseFile%, %DateISO% and %TimeHHMM% will be replaced at run time and produce a folder and file name.

For example:
C:\Program files\Cattools2\Dated Configs\Default\Config.Dated.Running.Cisco805.20031006-1914.txt

See the section Filename Variables for a list of variables you can use.

HTML compare report:
Specifies the folder and file name of where to store the HTML diff report. This diff report file contains a side by side comparison of the old and new configuration. Changes are highlighted in different colors.

Default: C:\Program files\Cattools2\Reports\ConfigChanges\%GroupName%\Config.Changes.Running.%BaseFile%.%DateISO%-%TimeHHMM%.htm

The variables %GroupName%, %BaseFile%, %DateISO% and %TimeHHMM% will be replaced at run time and produce a folder and file name.

For example:
C:\Program files\Cattools2\Reports\ConfigChanges\Default\Config.Changes.Running.Cisco805.20031006-1914.htm

Text summary diff report:
Specifies the folder and file name of where to store the text based diff report. This diff report file contains a list of the changes found in the old and new configs. This report is a smaller and simpler way to view the changes. Unlike the HTML report, where both the old and new configs are shown in full. The text report only shows the lines that are different.

Default: C:\Program files\Cattools2\Reports\ConfigChanges\%GroupName%\Config.Changes.Running.%BaseFile%.%DateISO%-%TimeHHMM%.txt

The variables %GroupName%, %BaseFile%, %DateISO% and %TimeHHMM% will be replaced at run time and produce a folder and file name.

For example:
C:\Program files\Cattools2\Reports\ConfigChanges\Default\Config.Changes.Running.Cisco805.20031006-1914.txt

Only notify by e-mail if configs have changed:

This allows you to run configuration backups as often as you want, but only receive an e-mail notification when changes are detected.


Attach reports to e-mail:

Sub options:

·	HTML compare report only (default)

·	Text diff report only

·	Both reports

Allows you to choose what level of diff reports you are sent via e-mail.

If you want the full comparison reports, have it set to send you the HTML compare report. If you just want the changes sent, use the text report.

If you are sending the reports via an insecure medium (corporate network or internet), be aware that the HTML reports contain your full device configuration. It is recommended that you either don't send HTML reports over an insecure medium, or you protect the reports by using a zip password. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack.

Zip attachments:
To reduce network traffic and allow for password protection, you can choose to zip the attachments. This is the recommended and default option. It keeps the e-mail smaller and places all the files in a single attachment (great when you have 400 devices).

Password protect zip file:
Protect your configs and reports by adding a password to your zip file. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack the protection. The password protection will protect your configs from prying eyes while it is in transit to your e-mail box.