GNS3 – How to save labs with router configs
Posted by Josh on Mon 7 Jul 2008Categories: Cisco , Cisco Routers , Dynamips , GNS3 , PEMU - [106] Comments
If you have used GNS3 for any amount of time at all, you have encountered this situation. It’s late and you have been working on your lastest lab for hours. You decide to save your work. Logically, you go to File > Save. Unfortunately, the topology is saved but the router configs are gone.
Follow these steps to save your project. When the project is re-opened, router configurations will be in tact.
- Open GNS3
- Start a lab with objects (routers, pix, switches, etc)
- Click ‘File > New Project’ instead of ‘File > Save’.
- Make sure ‘Export Router Configuration Files’ and ‘Keep working directory files’ are checked.
- Click ‘Yes’ to Apply project settings to the current topology.
That’s it!
In the video below, I created a small lab with a single router. I changed the hostname and domain name just to demonstrate config changes will remain when the project is re-opened.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
[...] GNS3 – How to save labs with router configs 1 views [...]
July 9th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
the working directory is needed to save labs? I just click the “export all startup-config” and save. When i reopen the lab all looks fine, including startup-configs.
Something is missing when gns3 dont reopen working directory? and in this case, using the same directory dont get me any trouble with other labs? I guess so, cause “automatically clean working directory” is default setting.
tks
sry for my english
July 12th, 2008 at 12:27 am
thx mate..keep posting..currently fall in love with GNS3..cheers…
July 13th, 2008 at 1:30 am
@WingChunBR – You don’t necessarily “need” the working directory to save the startup configurations for the routers, but the working directories contain the flash and nvram as well as other files.
If you clean out the working directory, the flash and nvram files are gone after you close the lab. It becomes important to keep the working directory if you are working on a lab for … say …. call manager express or sdm. Both store files in flash.
I hope this answers your question.
Josh
July 13th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Plz send the Layer 3 switch IOS
i don’t have any switch ios’s
and explain the process how to install the ios
July 13th, 2008 at 8:32 am
@akula – gns3 does not emulate a switch. The only way to do switch labs is with a 3640 or 3745 image and the nm-16esw network module.
Josh
July 14th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Hi Josh,
I was able to save the Lab following the steps you provided, however, when I tried to open the Lab (after I saved it), my server just crashed
I’ve got GNS-3 running on Ubuntu Server 7.10, and the Lab I was running was the Frame-Relay lab with 3 Routers.
The server has 1.5GB RAM and it’s a Dual Processor P3 Server.
Any ideas??
Rgrds,
Ayo
July 14th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Never mind Josh…….I restarted the server and tried to re-open the Lab. It’s working O.K this time.
Thx,
Ayo
July 14th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Hi Josh,
I’ve got another query:
I’ve saved my config and I’ve run it again successfully.
Could you please advise how I can save again once I’ve made more changes?
I tried to follow the same steps you prescribed for saving the first time, but it doesn’t seem to work.
Thanks a lot!!!
Rgrds,
Ayo
July 16th, 2008 at 9:31 am
@Ayo – After you have created a project, you can just click File > Save.
Josh
July 16th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
ah ok. I dont need flash here(ccna labs), so i can erase my workingdir.
But if u use another lab with different settings (that stored in flash) they will not overwrite each other?
thanks josh
July 17th, 2008 at 2:28 am
Love the tips and info!!! THANKS!!!
July 28th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I followed the demo to the “T” the only thing different is that I used a different path (C:\My Networks\MPLS Development\) and for some reason it does not pull my config’s back. The project loads but the configs are still blank.
Not there is an error in my IOS when booting but not sure:
Cisco IOS Software, 3700 Software (C3745-ADVENTERPRISEK9-M), Version 12.4(19b),
RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2008 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Fri 13-Jun-08 10:20 by prod_rel_team
BIST FAILED…
Unknown file system detected.
Use format command to format the card as DOS File System.
Or use erase command to format the card as Low End File System.
I am running 0.5 GNS3 with 12.4 IOS Code. Anyone able to help here.
Is it the spaces in the path or something else?
Andrew
July 28th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Andrew,
You might try to save to a project folder that does not have a space in it…maybe c:\My_Networks\MPLS_Development\ .
Can you post your .net configuration file?
Josh
August 5th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Hey, thanks for this blog post. I was getting all frustrated trying to use “File >> Save” instead of New Project.
August 7th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Does any one have hints on how to bring down the utilizations of ones PC while running GNS3, or better still calculate the best idlepc values.
cheers
August 12th, 2008 at 7:15 am
[...] – bookmarked by 2 members originally found by acmul on 2008-07-20 GNS3 – How to save labs with router configs http://www.blindhog.net/gns3-how-to-save-labs-with-router-configs/ – bookmarked by 1 members [...]
August 16th, 2008 at 2:05 am
i am able to save the topology but when i drag the switch and save……..switch is not save nor its connections. that’s the problem
August 27th, 2008 at 10:42 am
thx for your videos.but i need help on GSN 3.0.5
when i try to get access a router console i get the message “the system cannot find the file speciefied”. i followed your videos but noway to it work.plz help
August 31st, 2008 at 12:44 am
napsteur,
You are probably running windows Vista. The error is telling you that GNS3 cannot find the telnet command.
I would suggest using putty for console access.
http://www.blindhog.net/gns3-how-to-use-putty-for-console-access/
Josh
August 31st, 2008 at 11:20 am
I use the export command in gns3, in the command window or whatever you call it.
export “routername” “foldername”
and you can right click on the router and type the startup-configs name. if you export stuff working then the config will be named stuff and it will be in the working directory.
anything in the working directory you can just type the name of the config file under the router option. otherwise you have to put the foldername\config name in the options.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
I have the same problem as post 13. I can save the configs and they are stored in the right working dirs etc. When i load the project, the topology loads but the configs do not.
I also see the same error during the IOS bootload and am using the same IOS.
September 5th, 2008 at 7:31 am
hi all , i m tanveer . thankx to buddy . i tried the same . fir the first time it didnot work , but after a few tries it has strated workig for 2 routers . see what happens next when i m going for a bit big labs .
regards
tanveer
September 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
thx for your videos.but i need help on GSN 3.0.5
when i try to get access a router console i get the message “the system cannot find the file speciefied”. i followed your videos but noway to it work.plz help
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:30 am
I ran the GNS3 on my computer and it is running well. but when i save the any topology (as *.net file) I can’t load it again for completing the lab. It says “can’t set the working directory to E:\program files\GNS3\GNS on the server local host:7200″. I changed the working directroy inPreferences> Dynamips>working directory to any other path and nothing happens. what can i do?… know that i setup my GNS3 on the E:\program files\GNS3
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Greg,
Thanks for sharing your experience and another way of saving configs and projects.
Josh
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Mark,
Can you post your .net configuration file?
Josh
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Jose,
Please read comment 20.
Josh
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Timaz,
Try creating a folder called GNS3 at the root of your c:\ drive.
Then, save your project to c:\gns3\
Let me know if it still doesn’t work.
Josh
October 11th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
thk for your great video.
I’m using Vista. I followed all the steps in your tutoril. It worked just fine until I tried to reopen the project. I did the telnet by putty. Putty did open, but nothing happened.
I have no idea what happened.
Hope you can help me, thk in avance
October 13th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Slump,
Not sure what happened. What happens when right click on the routers and attempt to start them. Do they actually start?
Josh
October 13th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Now it works. Actually, after open .net file and start the routers, I have to wait a while before starting putty.
October 16th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Thank you so much for the help, in the begining i had problem with vista OS, but everything is cool and thanks to you.
mna
November 11th, 2008 at 9:48 am
hello,
i have GNS3.0.5. i have created .net file nd save configurations. when i close and i reopen the lab, i cannot see the configuration from the console.
November 17th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Dbenattou,
Are you just going to ‘File > Save’ or ‘File > New Project’ ?
‘File > Save’ will not save the whole project.
Josh
December 26th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Do you have to create a new project each time you wish to save the config/working environment or after it is created as a project you are fine to just click save?
December 27th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Martin,
Once you have created a project, you should be able to simply click ‘save’ to save the project.
Josh
December 27th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Very much thanks mate for your precious help,
but still i get the problem with 3700 series of router how to save the configuration???
can u pls help me in that it is not show the chassis when i try for save in the net file pls help
Atish
January 3rd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
There are some consistent symptoms the happen when one is unable to read back an exported config file on starting a router. Failure to do the following, I’ve found by experimentation, means the router will not boot from the exported config, the second (nth time).
1. you must set preferences to clean up the working directory (on vista)
2. the working directory configuration must point to the actual working directory
3. start then stop then start a router using dynampis – without exiting gns3/dnamips (which executes the cleanup) – seems to confuse the persisted nvram from working directory storage with the nvram created upon loading the exported config. The net result is the router ignores the loaded config file, defaulting to initial config wizard.
4. do not reload a router from CLI.
5. If you must stop and restart a router in a single GNS3/dynampips session, delete the working files of the router before re-starting.
I have not played with suspend, which I’ll now try to dominate.
This is 1 of about 20 gotchas with GNS 3.06 (on vista). They all have workarounds.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Thanks for this great list Peter!
March 13th, 2009 at 4:55 am
[...] GNS3 – How to save labs with router configs [...]
May 28th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Excellet Mike,
I was really indeed of this.
Thnx
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Hello
im new to GNS3 ,i have this proplem and plz help
my OS is vista 32 bit
im using pytty for telnet
i can creat a lap and telnet every thing is excellent put when i save it and try to open it later ,it just simply open a blank page and stop there.
i have used the way explained here with no use plz help
June 17th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Hi ,
When I save a single router config with New Project option both the router and its configuration are present. But when I connect two routers with a serial it gives an error 206 -unable to creat UDP NIO, so I hv to reconnect it again and then it works but when I save this topology which contains an attache serial link and reloads it gives the same error. “206 -unable to creat UDP NIO” . Can some on please let me know how to save topology with all its connections.
June 19th, 2009 at 4:08 am
hi
i install gns3 on my vista 32 bit os ican sucessfully run it but cannot access cosole root why
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:48 am
Issue resolved! Thanks a lot.
July 10th, 2009 at 4:10 am
Hi
I am using GNS3 0.6.1 in winXP just bought intel i7 ….
Its really great working on GNS3 but unfortunately I couldnt able to save my work.
I have set the Gns3 with default settings and I also have seen the previous video but still when I am saving my work in D:\123.net (drive d is 40gb empty) I am getting errors
Please Please Please somebody help me with this
Dynagen management console for Dynamips (adapted for GNS3)
Copyright (c) 2008 GNS3 Project
=> ———Traceback lines (saved in exception.log)———-
Traceback (most recent call last):
File “GNS3\ProjectDialog.pyo”, line 95, in accept
File “GNS3\Workspace.pyo”, line 703, in createProject
File “shutil.pyo”, line 254, in move
Error: Destination path ‘d:\123_working\c3660-telcoentk9-mz.124-13b.bin-localhost.ghost’ already exists
July 10th, 2009 at 4:15 am
Hi
I forgot to mention
I am saving using file->new project->check both boxes and save
I am using 3660 I also tried using 2691 ….
July 11th, 2009 at 9:29 am
If I do a “New Project” after creating the topology, I get the following error for each router:
vm_mmap_open_file: unable to open file ‘c3600_R0_nvram’ (No such file or directory)
If I do “New Project” before I start, then Save, it seems to work.
July 11th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Oh… and it doesn’t save the configs when I get the “vm_mmap_open_file” error”.
July 14th, 2009 at 10:11 am
I can get up and running with your instructions, however my flash is erased every time I stop the router. My startup-config is saved, but flash doesn’t. Any ideas?
Tired of downloading files from TFTP every time. I have more than enough space configured in the GNS3 environment.
Your POSTS Rock!
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I am facing exactly same problem that “Trying to realise ” is facing.
When I tried to save new project according to procedure in video following messages appeared.
Dynagen management console for Dynamips (adapted for GNS3)
Copyright (c) 2008 GNS3 Project
=> ———Traceback lines (saved in exception.log)———-
Traceback (most recent call last):
File “GNS3\ProjectDialog.pyo”, line 95, in accept
File “GNS3\Workspace.pyo”, line 703, in createProject
File “shutil.pyo”, line 254, in move
Error: Destination path ‘D:\MyLab1_working\c3640-p7-mz.122-4.T3.bin-localhost.ghost’ already exists
———————————————————–
and When I click on save following messages appeared.
R0: Dynamips error: 206-unable to extract config of VM ‘R0′
R1: Dynamips error: 206-unable to extract config of VM ‘R1′
I checked my configuration directory that contains no file and in *.net file there is no cfg parameter.
plz help.
August 5th, 2009 at 5:59 am
I am still unable to save my configurations as mentioned above. I do take care of Step 4. Make sure ‘Export Router Configuration Files’ and ‘Keep working directory files’ are checked
Please suggest.
Ankit
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I am about to give up totally. I have spent all day familiarizing myself with GNS3, I have watched all the basic tutorials both here and on YouTube. I can NOT save a config file, period. I drag a single router onto the topology, start it, invoke the console, from the CLI set the hostname. Then I “copy run start” in the CLI. Then, per every video I have watched and every tutorial I have read, I click “New Project”, make sure both check boxes are checked and save it. I exit GNS3, restart it, load the project and the config is not saved. It just can’t be this hard to save a config file can it?
September 25th, 2009 at 6:32 am
Hi Ruel
from reading your post it sounds like you are adding your router to the topology, saving the config and then clicking on file new project – which will start a new blank project. !!!!!!
Start with ‘new project’ with the tick boxes set, then drop your router on, console in and change the config, wr or copy run start. Then click on File, Save in GNS3. Works for me every time
Steve
October 6th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
This becomes common issue.I gave up trying.
Please help with this issue.
File “GNS3\ProjectDialog.pyo”, line 95, in accept
File “GNS3\Workspace.pyo”, line 703, in createProject
File “shutil.pyo”, line 254, in move
Error: Destination path ‘C:\Documents and Settings\My Documents\GNS3\BGP16\bgp16_working\c3660-js-mz.124-15.T7extracted.bin-localhost.ghost’ already exists
October 18th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
This GNS3 is a great tool…no doubt.. but man does it take EVER to get this thing up and running smoothly
I have the EXACT issue as Matt,Ather and Trying to realise but havent seen anyone reply to those msgs.
——————-
Traceback (most recent call last):
File “GNS3\ProjectDialog.pro”,line 95,in accept
File “GNS3\Workspace.pyo”, line 703,in createProject
File “shutil.pyo,line 254,in move
Error: Destination path ‘C:\labs\Lab1_working\C2600-
JK.Image-localhost.ghost’ already exists
————-
I click on File—>new project to save my work but I get the above error.
Weird thing is…..if i save a test lab(with just 1 router) …using the same procedure…it works…but if i add 2 or more routers and then save it…I get the above mentioned error.
SOS!
Sam
October 18th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
@Matt,Ather and Trying to realise
Alright…
so after spending hours and going through forums i found that we need to:
1)create project(yup! you gotta do this as your first step when that small window pops up)
2)put all your devices etc etc,do your work,
3)and once you are done …just go to File—>Save
thats it.
I tried this like several times and its working for me.
Note: When i am ready to save my work..I always quit the telnet sessions but of course leave the routers running.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:27 am
hi to all
when i start gns3 and type command sh version it is showing “ios image tftp 255.255.255.255 Unknow why it is showinglike this can anybody give me advice
thanks
December 21st, 2009 at 12:46 am
GNS3 on ATM network configure lab help me
January 21st, 2010 at 12:28 am
Hi
I would like to repeat what Diptesh said, coz thats exactly what I experienced.
When I save a single router config with New Project option both the router and its configuration are present. But when I connect two routers with a serial it gives an error 206 -unable to creat UDP NIO, so I have to reconnect it again and then it works but when I save this topology which contains an attache serial link and reloads it gives the same error. “206 -unable to creat UDP NIO” . Can some on please let me know how to save topology with all its connections.
Any help to solve this issue would be greatly appreciated.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Elango,
Are you running GNS3 as root?
Josh
January 26th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Hi Josh,
Seems you understood that I am using Linux/unix OS, if my perception is right.
Please find the details below.
OS : Windows XP, SP3
CPU: – 2.39 GHz, RAM : 2GB.
GNS3 Version:- V0.6
User account that I use has Administrative rights to install and remove software.
Somewhere in this forum, i saw a suggestion that, the UDP port I am using might be used by another process/program, so change the base UDP port used by GNS3 which is 10,000 by default. I tried that suggestion but no luck. still i got the same message.
Got the following message in the console in GNS#:
***Warning: connecting LAB_ROUTER f0/0 to LAB_CLIENT f0/0 resulted in : 206-unable to create UDP NIO
***Error: errors during loading of the topology file, please correct them.
Please let me know if you need furhter information, to help you identify the problem. I thank you for the interest shown.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:28 am
The SAVE-config’s problem is simple solved:
Put your file xx.cfg in the same dir XX_working\xx.cfg with all other files together
I hope to help you
Christian Biasibetti
February 1st, 2010 at 2:48 am
Hi Josh,
Based on the solution provided in the following link, I tried to solve the issue I faced and found it be as given in the following threads. Thanks to Kaage from GNS3.net and Martinlo from sadikhov.com who provided the link.
http://www.gns3.net/…B/topic267.html
Please follow the threads below to understand the solution that helped solve my issue.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:53 am
Below are the things I tried out(with my limited knowledge) in order to explore any other way to make it work.
————————————
Opend the GNS3 gui and in Edit > Preferences > Dynamips :
1) changed the value of UDP increment to just 1 and
2) let the base UDP be the same 10,000.
Base UDP—— Generated UDP——–Increment Specfied————– Manual Incremented value( in *.net file)—————Result (saved topology)
10,000 — 10,000 — 1 — Not able to open.
10,000 — 10,000 — 100 — Not able to open.
10,000 — 10,000 — 1000 — Not able to open.
1) changed the value of UDP increment to just 1000 and
2) let the base UDP be the same 11,000
Base UDP—— Generated UDP——–Increment Specfied————– Manual Incremented value( in *.net file)—————Result (saved topology)
11,000 — 10,000 — 1 — Not able to open.
11,000 — 10,000 — 100 — Not able to open.
11,000 — 10,000 — 1000 — Not able to open.
Opened GNS3 gui and edited : Edit > IOS images and Hypervisors > IOS images > Unchecked the hypervisor manager
then selected the only available hypervisor ( 127.0.0.1:7200) and then clicked Close.
Base UDP—— Generated UDP——–Increment Specfied————– Manual Incremented value( in *.net file)—————Result (saved topology)
11,000 — 10,000 — 100 — Not able to open.
———————-
Below is the value I used to open the saved topology.
Base UDP—— Generated UDP——–Increment Specfied————– Manual Incremented value( in *.net file)—————Result (saved topology)
10,000 — 10,000 — 100 — 11,000 —– Able to open.
10,000 — 10,000 — 100 — 10,001 —– Able to open.
————————–
It seems that irrespective of what value we use for the Base UDP or UDP increments in the GNS3 menu ( Preferences or IOS images & Hypervisors ), we cannot open the saved toplogy.
Whereas if we edit and change the UDP value to distinct ones, (just below each Hypervisors found in the *.net file) , which is greater than the BASE UDP value used to save the topology, I am able to open the saved topology, provided if the destination folders, IOS images used etc are correct.
This hold true for the above scenario.
I hope to explore more in this regard and post it int the forums
February 1st, 2010 at 2:53 am
The *.net file that worked well is as follows.
I just changed the UDP value that is highlighted below
—————————————————————
autostart = False
[127.0.0.1:7200]
workingdir = D:\NT-Tools\GNS Lab\Lab-3\LAB-3_working
udp = 11000
[[3620]]
image = D:\NT-Tools\GNS3\cisco ios\ios-3620\c3620-ik2s-mz.121-27b.bin
idlepc = 0x603773c0
ghostios = True
sparsemem = True
chassis = 3620
[[ROUTER LAB_3RB]]
model = 3620
console = 2004
cnfg = D:\NT-Tools\GNS Lab\Lab-3\LAB-3_configs\LAB_3RB.cfg
slot0 = NM-1FE-TX
f0/0 = LAB_3RA f0/0
x = 138.0
y = -65.0
[[ROUTER LAB_3RA]]
model = 3620
console = 2001
cnfg = D:\NT-Tools\GNS Lab\Lab-3\LAB-3_configs\LAB_3RA.cfg
slot0 = NM-1FE-TX
f0/0 = LAB_3RB f0/0
x = -245.0
y = -67.0
[GNS3-DATA]
configs = LAB-3_configs
workdir = LAB-3_working
February 1st, 2010 at 2:57 am
Hi Josh,
Thanks for the immense help you provide for the users community.
I hope my post might help others , rather than otherwise.
Sincerely
Elango
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:53 pm
I got to save the configuration, but when I start the router after save the terminal does not load completely the router ios, and stop with “,”.
What I do?
February 8th, 2010 at 11:12 am
follow the instructions below
1. start ur gns3
2. a small dialog boz appears
3.type in any name & check marks both the options below it.
4.after creating a topology start the routers & enter some configuration in them.then in privilge exec mode type WR to save ur config.
5. once u save it , without stopping the routers go to main gns3 window.
6.click on file > save
7.then stop ur routers & play them again..that is it.
8.next time when u want to open the same topology just click on file>open & click on the file u want to load.
February 18th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Hi All…
I have also followed the same instructions above. I am running the latest version of GNS3 0.7. I am saving my configs in a new working directory. I have went through the preferences and disabled the clean working area check box. After I have saved everything and I close out of GNS3. I can go to that directory and I see the R1.CFG files and so on.
When I start the project back up, if I click on the router and show startup-config. It shows the correct directory for my config. Once I start the router, I am presented with the “Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog?”
After I say no to this I can issue the show startup-config command on the console. And the startup config is the correct config. However the running config is not. The Copy Start Run commands don’t work, becuase NVRAM is invalid or not present.
Any thoughts?
February 18th, 2010 at 9:16 am
I was using the 3745 and this issue was would occur. I have started using the 7200′s and the problem is not there I can load a lab with 4 7200′s and 2 3700′s all the 7200′s get there configs, while the 3700 doesn’t.
Oh Well!
March 5th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Hi guys, I followed the above 4 steps to save my Topology along with the configuration files, but in vain
kindly help.
I am using GNS3 v 0.6
Regards
Channa
March 9th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Hey all
I have searched and I’ve seen many posts in forums. But I have to face up with a problem.
I have tried every way to save (export, save, save as, save /all, copy run star, etc.) with no success.
I have Windows XP SP2,GNS 0.7, used one router in the lab (3600, 3700). When I saved, The error message from console :
——————————————————
=>R1 : Dynamips error : 206-unable to extract config of VM ‘R1′
————————————————————-
How to solve it? Please help me!
PS: When I type command : ‘#copy run star ‘, one message occur : ‘ Destination filename [starup-config] ?’.
Why that is? What I have to do?
Plz!Thks a lot!
March 16th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
this is what worked for me… all other settings are stock.
to save project with configs
start fresh and click the check boxes, name it and save it.
create your topology and start the routers and consoles and make your configs.
save it to the router – end, copy running-config startup-config, enter, enter
close the console – do not stop the devices.
NOW file, save.
you should see “exporting R1 config to…” in the consloe portion of the GNS screen
to open you have to go to prefs and uncheck “Use relative path for project” , now you can open like regular – File, open.
March 21st, 2010 at 12:33 pm
hi ! Josh
I did not get the last part. I am using GNS3 0.7 on windows 7 64 bit. I did not get that last option when I went to Preferences.
I am using c3640-ik9o3s-mz.124-25b.bin image. I have the same problem that I am not able to save configs and I am really frustrated since I have many labs pending.
I was using Packet Tracer and Boson but I found GNS3 a amazing product where I can worked with real cisco ios.
I need your help.
Thank you.
March 21st, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Josh can you tell me which ios you are using since I found that stable version that are using might solve the problem.
March 25th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
I have the same issue and I’m strictly using 3745 routers. I guess I’ll try the 7200 series router since I might have more luck.
April 5th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Hi,
I’ve just done a backup of my (real/live) 1700 and 7200 routers by using the copy flash tftp command.
How do I load them into GNS3?
Appreciate your help:)
April 6th, 2010 at 12:02 am
I normally paste the configs in once the lab router is up and in config mode.
Josh
April 11th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
thank you!
my first lab was a waste. i could almost cry because i worked it for hours… T___T
April 18th, 2010 at 6:16 am
Hi Josh,
Your efforts are simply outstanding. Thanks a lot for all the help that you provide.
I have a problem saving configs when i am using PIX. I uploaded ASDM in flash and after completing the lab i followed the steps provided by you to save the lab. But unfortunately there are some errors and it doesnt work.
Request you to kindly help on this because everytime i have to upload ASDM to the flash for work to start. Waiting for your helpful solution as always.
THanks in advance.
April 19th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Dhaval,
I apologize but I do not have an answer for you. My focus has shifted to voice primarily and I have not spent a lot of time with the pix emulation to be completely honest.
Josh
May 25th, 2010 at 12:56 am
Hi Josh,
Please help, I’ve followed your instruction to save the conf. and when i try to open the .net file.. I get an error message,
“exception detected,stopping importation”
Please help.!!!
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Thank you for making these videos Josh. They help a lot.
June 8th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
hello,
i´ve troubles to import configuration(running) from a directory:
Router#sh start
Using 917 out of 29688 bytes!
!
version 12.2
service timestamps debug uptime
service timestamps log uptime
no service password-encryption
!
hostname R0
!
!
Router#sh runn
Building configuration…
Current configuration : 467 bytes
!
version 12.2
service timestamps debug uptime
service timestamps log uptime
no service password-encryption
!
hostname Router
!
!
Router#copy start runn
%% Non-volatile configuration memory invalid or not present
Router#
How can I make it??
Thanks a lot and sorry for my bad english
June 10th, 2010 at 10:42 am
Miguel,
I am not sure. I have never tried this… I will try to check it out.
Josh
June 14th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Thanks for your answer, josh
June 17th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Thx for the answes it really helps
What i want to know is if there is anything I can use to do all configurations in one console window? working with many windows is confusing
June 22nd, 2010 at 6:10 am
Hi,
Can I to get into ROMMON mode using GNS3??And how??
I know to do it with PT5.2.1 but I don´t know in GNS3??
Thx
July 20th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I also had the
=> R1: Dynamips error: 206-unable to extract config of VM ‘R1′
I solve this by doing
“copy running-config startup-config” in the CLI
befor saving the project
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Thank you, Josh. You’ve helped me again. You guide me in my CCNA preparation.
August 10th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
So is there a way to import my packet tracer projects into gns3. So gns 3 can automatically populate what i created in packet tracer. I love this program but i am in classes that use packet tracer and i want to convert them over.
August 15th, 2010 at 2:08 am
When I drag a router into screen ; it says hypervisor is already on port 7200 . I close gns3 and ran task manager , but no process related to dynamips such as dynamips-wpx.exe was there . My workaround was to use from external hypervisor . but in external hypervisor the first router that I put in screen is R1 not R0, and how can I use from hypervisor manager again ?
(I am using win xp SP2)
Thanks.
October 5th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Having a problem with console not remaining open. The window pops upen and immediately disappears. Not able to communicate with device. From perpective of attached devices, the router appears down. Peer generates log message that connection is down.
Please help,
Thanks.
October 28th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
you just use following command before saving file.
Router#write
then router configuration file will be saved on your Temp file. *.cfg
when you open gns3 next time, it will load the *.cfg by itself.
you try it. (my version is 3.0.7.2)
November 5th, 2010 at 3:16 am
[...] How to save labs with router configs [...]
February 10th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
I tried everything people said in here and nothing worked. Why would you create a program that doesn’t let you save your work? This is just plain ridiculous. Did you guys even test this program out before releasing it?
April 24th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Really frustrated. I’ve completed 3 different labs and can not save and reopen the lab to save my life. I keep seeing
Dynagen management console for Dynamips (adapted for GNS3)
Copyright (c) 2008-2010 GNS3 Project
=> *** Warning: Connecting R2 s1/0 to ISP s1/1 resulted in:
206-unable to create UDP NIO
*** Error: errors during loading of the topology file, please correct them
=>
Nothing I do seems to make a difference.
May 18th, 2011 at 12:42 am
In gns3 0.7.4
edit the topology.net file like so:
workingdir = .\working
By default, the .net files get this in my install:
workingdir = working
but I have to change it to this:
workingdir = .\working
Then it works for me.
Hope that helps someone, cuz it took me a long time to figure out.
May 18th, 2011 at 1:12 am
Well, In my previous comment, I’m not sure if changing the workingdir setting works all the time, but it works if I delete the contents of the “working” directory before you start gns3. Then it rebuilds the files when you start it. Perhaps it’s the fact that I’m deleting the contents of that directory and forcing a rebuild that is correcting the problem, but it has been working for me if I do both.
May 19th, 2011 at 12:09 am
Finally….so my previous comment about deleting the contents of the working directory in gns3 v0.7.4 has been working for me, and all my EtherSwitch Routers have been coming back up with the last saved config as long as I do 3 things. (I don’t have to edit any files).
1. wr mem
2. gns3 file menu save. Or icon save.
3. delete the contents of the working directory.
4. (optional) I noticed that if I have created a vlan database in the EtherSwitch Routers, it appears to be stored in the files with naming format of c3745_Rx_slot0, so I haven’t been deleting the _slot0 files in the working directory, and the vlan database is preserved.
Finally, Now I can focus on the labs and not worry about losing my work. Perhaps this will help others using GNS3 v0.7.4 on Windows XP.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:45 am
Hi,
I have created a Lab in GNS3. I have followed all the instruction you provided but while reopening my project it loads topology diagram and when i checked configuration then it shows blank but if i check startup-configuration then everything is present in it. Means startup-config is not loading in running-config. While booting router i am getting error like this.
Cisco IOS Software, 3700 Software (C3745-ADVENTERPRISEK9-M), Version 12.4(19b),
RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2008 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Fri 13-Jun-08 10:20 by prod_rel_team
BIST FAILED…
Unknown file system detected.
Use format command to format the card as DOS File System.
Or use erase command to format the card as Low End File System.
Under preference
===================
Project directory :-
F:\Pankaj\Study\GNS project
Image directory :-
F:\Pankaj\Anwar DVD\DVD 1\IOS
working directory :-
C:\DOCUME~1\niru\LOCALS~1\Temp
Executable Path:
C:\Program Files\GNS3\Dynamips\dynamips-wxp.exe
and i save project in F:\Pankaj\Study\GNS project with both option checked.
Pls help me.
February 2nd, 2012 at 7:21 am
[...] How to save labs with router configs [...]
April 28th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Not able to save Vlan config.i am geting below error.Please help.
AGRST2(vlan)#vlan 99
VLAN 99 added:
Name: VLAN0099
AGRST2(vlan)#app
AGRST2(vlan)#apply
% not enough space on flash to store vlan database. trying squeeze…
squeeze of flash complete
% not enough space on flash to store vlan database even after squeeze
Error on database apply 40: NV storage failure
April 6th, 2013 at 11:55 pm
[...] drivers” & “Save IOS startup configurations”. Useful Reference URLs are listed as below:GNS3 – How to save labs with router configsHow to save CME flash in GNS3 and more CME lab guides in GNS3to be continued Filed [...]