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Copy running-config startup-config

As explained in Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 1 Fundamentals and Protocols

The Cisco IOS write memory command saves the active configuration to startup-config.

copy running-config startup-config saves the active running-config to startup-config. The running configuration operates from RAM and changes take effect immediately; startup-config resides in NVRAM and is loaded after a reboot. section 5.3 section 5.5

Use the command in privileged EXEC mode:

  • copy running-config startup-config section 5.3
  • write memory and write perform the same copy operation. section 5.3
  • Without saving, a restart loses running-config changes and may restore the factory-default configuration. section 5.3

Practical scenario

After configuring an interface or routing setting, save it with copy running-config startup-config before reloading the device. The saved configuration then survives power-off and restart. section 5.3

How Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 1 Fundamentals and Protocols covers it

How deep it goes
Explains RAM, NVRAM, boot loading, privileged EXEC use, and equivalent commands, but not command output.
Examples
Uses copy running-config startup-config, write memory, and write as equivalent configuration-saving commands.
What it assumes
Defines running-config and startup-config while requiring privileged EXEC mode for command entry.
What you can do after
Operate/configure a Cisco IOS device by saving active settings for persistence after reboot.
How it connects
Connects running-config, startup-config, NVRAM, RAM, privileged EXEC mode, and factory-default configuration.
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Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 1 Fundamentals and Protocols. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.