Restore backup file from the console CLI

Wolfgangthegreat

Hello,

Is there a way to replace the config by uploading the backup XML file via the console CLI?

SteveITS

@Wolfgangthegreat Yes you can edit the file:

https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/config/xml-configuration-file.html#edit-in-place

Wolfgangthegreat

@SteveITS Thank you

But this looks like editing from the GUI, or is it access from the console "shell" menu command?
Is there an editor at the console that is nicer than vi, like nano?
Is enabling a rule in the config is by removing the <disabled></disabled> in the rule?

stephenw10

You can use vi (if you must!) but the easy editor, ee, is also included.

If you just need to revert a change you can just roll back the config to a previous version from the console menu.
https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/config/console-menu.html#restore-recent-configuration

If you need to upload a different config consider using the external config locator which requires only having the config file on a USB stick:
https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/backup/restore-during-install.html#restore-using-the-external-configuration-locator-ecl

Wolfgangthegreat

@stephenw10 Thanks.

I cannot upload using USB as it is a remote VM.

What about - "Is enabling a rule in the config is by removing the <disabled></disabled> in the rule?"

patient0

@Wolfgangthegreat said in Restore backup file from the console CLI:

What about - "Is enabling a rule in the config is by removing the <disabled></disabled> in the rule?"

Removing <disabled></disabled> from the config.xml and reboot does work. Reboot is necessary because the change seems not to be applied to the system but only to the GUI.

It seems @luckman212 created a PHP script to do it without the reboot: List or toggle rules on/off via CLI.

Wolfgangthegreat

@patient0 Thanks!

luckman212

@patient0 just a quick note, I updated that script to operate correctly on newer versions of pfSense (2.8/25.07). Let me know if you run into any issues.