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How To: Taking and Restoring ASDM Backups on Cisco ASAs

By February 14, 2019September 18th, 2020Blog, Cisco, Networking
Cisco ASDM-IDM Launcher Screenshot

It’s easy to get a full backup of an ASA by using ASDM and there are advantages of this method over using CLI. Here’s a walkthrough of how to obtain a full backup and a list of the advantages.

Pulling the Backup

Step One: Open up the Cisco ASDM-IDM Launcher and log into your ASA device.

Step Two: Navigate to Tools > Backup Configurations and you will see this screen:ASDM Backup Configuration screenshots

Step Three: Name the file and pick a place to save it on your local computer.

Step Four: Click Backup and wait for the confirmation message, it will look like this. Note: the default secret key password is cisco, cisco if you haven’t customized it.ASDM Backup Confirmation message

Step Five: Keep the backup in case it is needed.

Restoring the ASA Using the ASDM Backup

Step One: In ASDM, navigate to Tools > Restore Configurationsore ASDM Configuration to ASA

Step Two: Select the zip file backup created and follow the prompts.

Alison Wallick, PEI

 

Other Networking Basics:

Upgrading ASA and ASDM Images

Setting up SSH and Local Authentication 

Adding and Removing Devices from the Meraki Dashboard

Setting Up New Meraki Access Points

Upgrading an ASA ROMMON Version

Configuring a Cisco Router as DHCP Server

Site-to-Site VPN between Meraki and ASA

2 Comments

  • Hoosein says:

    Hi

    I did this and restored to a 2nd ASA to keep as a backup as I had purchased 2 ASA’s 5506-X, I cannot access the 2nd ASA through ASDM with current password. It’s not on the network, I am trying to access it directly with a network cable into my laptop and internal port which I can ping.

    • Stephanie Hamrick says:

      Hi Hoosein,

      Thanks for reading! Here’s a response from the post’s author:

      I would recommend to console into the ASA and verify the version of ASDM is compatible with the ASA software. Chances are if you are trying to restore using a backup, the versions are no longer compatible. You should be able to still console into the ASA if it is pingable.

      If you need more help with troubleshooting, feel free to reach out to us directly at info@pei.com. Mention this comment, and I’ll connect you directly with the post’s author.

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