FAQ: Restoration of a Backup Configuration File on a NetScaler Appliance

Q: Is it possible to restore a backup configuration file without restarting the NetScaler appliance?

A: Yes. If you do not need to change the NetScaler IP (NSIP) address, Mapped IP (MIP) address, and default route, then you can use the batch command to restore the backup configuration file. However, if restoring the backup configuration file need to change the NSIP, MIP, and default route, then you must restart the appliance.

To restore a backup configuration file without restarting the NetScaler appliance, complete the following procedure:

1. Switch to the shell prompt of the NetScaler appliance.

2. Open the backup configuration file in a text editor, such as the vi editor.

3. Remove the following entries from the file:

   • This entry sets the NSIP address, netmask, and MIP address of the appliance.
     set ns config

   • This entry sets the default router of the appliance.
     ns route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 x.y.z.a

4. Save and close the file.

5. Switch to the command line interface of the appliance.

6. Run the following command from the command line interface of the appliance:
   > batch –filename <Input_File> -outfile <Output_File>
   In the preceding command, ensure that you specify the full path for the input and output files. The output file is useful in checking the errors, if any, when restoring the backup configuration file.

7. Run the following command to save the configuration:
   > save config

Note: This method does not clear any pre-existing configuration.

Q: If restoring the backup configuration file requires change in the NSIP and MIP, is it necessary to restart the appliance after restoring the backup configuration file?

A: Yes. If restoring the backup configuration files requires changing the NSIP, MIP, and default route, then you must restart the NetScaler appliance after making the changes. Additionally, Citrix recommends that you restart the appliance if restoring an earlier configuration requires the removal of existing virtual servers and services.
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To restore a backup configuration file and change the IP addresses of the appliance, complete the following procedure:

1. Replace the existing /nsconfig/ns.conf file with the backup configuration file.

2. Run the following command to change the NSIP address, MIP address, Subnet IP (SNIP) address, and default route of the appliance:
   > config ns

Additional Information

If you have made any changes to the FreeBSD operating system environment, the backup configuration file restoration does not impact such changes.