Configuration backups

ISPMan keeps a copy of each MikroTik’s full RouterOS configuration, so that if a router is reset, replaced or misconfigured you have a recent export to go back to. Backups are taken automatically every day; you can also take one at any time.

What is captured

Each backup is a full RouterOS export of the router’s configuration (the same kind of text you get from /export on the router), together with:

• when it was captured,
• its size,
• the RouterOS version the router was running.

Exports include sensitive values in clear text: PPPoE, RADIUS and wireless secrets. That’s what makes them restorable. ISPMan stores them encrypted, and only people who can manage the router can view or download them.

A new version is stored only when the configuration has actually changed. If a daily check finds the router still running the same configuration, ISPMan marks the existing version as confirmed instead of saving a duplicate. Versions older than 30 days are removed automatically.

Where to find backups

• On the device page, the Configuration Backups card shows the latest capture: “Current config captured …”, with size and RouterOS version, and “Last checked …”, the last time a check confirmed the router is still on that configuration. A settled router usually shows an old capture and a recent check, which is the healthy state.
• View all N backups on the card, or More → Configuration Backups, opens the full history at /dashboard/devices/mikrotik/<id>/config-backups.

Each row shows:

Item	Meaning
Captured time	When this version was taken.
Badge	Who asked for it: a manual backup you took, or an automatic one.
Size and RouterOS version	Of that export.
Still on the device …	Shown once a later check confirmed the router still runs this version, with how many times it has been confirmed.
View	Opens the export in a window so you can read or copy it.
Download	Saves the export as a file.

Take a backup now

On the device page, click Back up now on the Configuration Backups card. The button reads Backing up… while it runs. Do this before any big change, such as a RouterOS upgrade or rewiring the bridge.

If the card says “No configuration backup stored yet.”, no backup has been taken for this router. Use Back up now to take the first one.

Restoring a backup

ISPMan doesn’t restore configurations for you. There is no restore button. Restoring is a manual job on the router:

1. Download the version you want from the backup history.
2. Open it and decide what you need. Often you only need a few sections back (for example the hotspot profiles, PPPoE secrets or firewall rules), and you can paste just those commands into the router’s terminal.
3. To restore a whole configuration, start from a reset router (no default configuration), upload the file in WinBox Files, and run /import file-name=<file>.rsc in the terminal.
4. Check the router comes back online in ISPMan, then run Run Config Check on its device page.

Caution

Importing a full export onto a router that already has configuration usually fails part-way or creates duplicates, because the commands add items that already exist. Restore onto a reset router, or paste only the parts you need.

Danger

Treat downloaded backups like passwords. They contain your PPPoE, RADIUS and WiFi secrets in plain text. Don’t share them in chat groups or leave them on shared computers.

Related

• The MikroTik device page
• Add a MikroTik router
• Devices overview