Admin Tips
- Windows Server 2008/2003/2000/XP/NT Administrator Knowledge Base
  - Windows 2003
    - Admin Tips
      - Network
        Using Netsh to Backup and Restore Network Configuration

Section(s): Network
Published on Apr 13, 2006.
Last Modified on Apr 13, 2006.
Last Modified by Chris Sanders.
Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 38 votes.

When you change your network configuration often it may make the process more efficient to backup your commonly used network settings so you can restore them in a much faster process by using the Netsh utility.

Netsh is a very powerful network configuration tool that allows you to change virtually every network related setting on your computer. One of the useful things it allows you to do is backup and restore your network configuration settings.

Use the following command to backup your network configuration:
netsh interface dump > netcfg.dat

Use the following command to restore your network configuration:
netsh exec netcfg.dat

This is very useful for those who travel to various network environments throughout the day. By setting up a few batch files you can have your entire network configuration change to suit the current network you are in with just the click of a mouse.

***

Chris Sanders is the network administrator for one of the largest public school systems in the state of Kentucky. Chris's specialties include general network administration, windows server 2003, wireless networking, and security. You can view Chris' personal website at www.chrissanders.org.

About Chris Sanders

Chris Sanders is a network security analyst for EWA Government Systems Inc. Chris is the author of the book Practical Packet Analysis as well as several technical articles. His personal website at www.chrissanders.org contains a great deal of information, articles, and guides related to network administration, network security, packet analysis, and general information technology.