Simplest way to clone an RB750?

RouterOS Beginner Basics
1

Have one set up the way I want. Need to clone 2 or 3 more for a lab network. Did a search, read TFM, nothing very useful. Can I just backup one, restore the backup on another and edit the diffs? Or is there a better way. OBTW, what format is the backup file in?

TIA … JT

2

Make sure you are using at least version 5.12 and then run

/export compact file=backup

The data in the file is plain text.

3

Unfortunately I’m on 5.4 and since the box I want to clone is in traffic I’m a bit reluctant to upgrade it as I have no experience with a RouterOS upgrade yet. How reliable is it?

JT

4

You can just leave the word “compact” out of the command. You will end up with more data to validate but the format will be the same.

5

Ok, that seems to work. So edit the file to taste and then restore. How do I load that file on the new rb750 after uploading?

JT

6

/import [filename]

7

Too simple, many thanks!

JT

8

BTW - that won’t work without some editing of the export file, since the export format for many items conflicted with the default configuration.

The upgrade compact enhancement is at least partially to fix that problem.

9

export configuration then use milliscript (http://forum.mikrotik.com/t/milliscript-freeware-to-manage-export-configuration-files/36187/1) to have a readable code.
you can simply remove mac addresses to have a clone of your router

10

Yes, make sure to edit the file before importing it on the new router. Search and remove all mac-address=XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX entries. Otherwise, when you run the script on the new router, you’ll change the mac addresses to match the old one, and you don’t want this.

11

I can offer you clonetik software of www.turbotik.com that can make copies of all configurations or only parts of configurations.

12

Right, did that. Used the MilliScript tool (nice tool!)as well. However, when I /import backup.rsc I get a syntax error every time. Suggestions?

JT

13

Is Syntax error giving you a line and column number?
[admin@MikroTik] > /import backup.rsc
Opening script file backup.rsc

Script file loaded successfully
syntax error (line 4 column 13)
[admin@MikroTik] >I would open the backup.rsc file in a text editor and find that line to determine the problem. To further troubleshoot, I would copy the script to the clipboard, and paste the script into a Terminal window in winbox (Right-click, select Paste). Then it will show you exactly where the problem is.