Backing Up Cisco IOS — Copying the Image from Flash to a TFTP Server Which command backs up the currently running IOS image by copying it from router flash storage to a TFTP server?

Introduction / Context:
Backing up a known-good IOS image is a best practice before upgrades or hardware changes. The transfer typically uses TFTP due to its simplicity and wide support in network environments.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The desired source is the device's flash memory where the IOS image resides.
• The destination is a reachable TFTP server.
• Network connectivity and adequate permissions exist.

Concept / Approach:
The IOS copy syntax is copy . For a backup, the source is flash and destination is tftp, giving copy flash tftp. You will be prompted for the TFTP server IP and the filename to write on the server.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Verify image name: show flashPing the TFTP server to confirm reachability.Run: copy flash tftpProvide server IP and destination filename when prompted.

Verification / Alternative check:
After the transfer, verify the file on the TFTP server and optionally compare checksums using verify /md5 (on platforms that support it) to ensure integrity.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• backup IOS disk: Not a valid IOS command.
• copy ios tftp: Incorrect object name; source is flash, not "ios".
• copy tftp flash: This uploads an image to the router (upgrade), not a backup.
• copy running-config tftp: Backs up configuration, not the IOS image.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing configuration backups with image backups and overwriting existing files on the TFTP server unintentionally.

Final Answer:
copy flash tftp