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    Managing transfer to new computer

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Problems Installing or Upgrading pfSense Software
    6 Posts 4 Posters 1.3k Views
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    • G
      garethsnaim
      last edited by

      I installed PFSense on an old Dell I had knocking about, but its a large precision and I think somewhat overkill. So I have got a much smaller PC I want to install on.

      How would I manage this? I get that I can save the config, but so far as I can tell I need the new PC on the current network in order to install the config, will that lead to a melt down of my network with two routers with the same IP etc?

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      • KOMK
        KOM
        last edited by

        ???

        Backup config.xml from old server
        Install pfSense on new server while it is disconnected from your network
        Import config.xml backup from old server into new server & reboot
        Unplug old server network cables, plug in new server network cables

        Your downtime should be measured in seconds if everything goes right.

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        • G
          garethsnaim
          last edited by

          Sorry bit confused there, I presume therefore I can upload the config without having to use the GUI? Does this mean the dreaded command line?

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          • DerelictD
            Derelict LAYER 8 Netgate
            last edited by

            Install on replacement node and do a quick default config, plug into LAN, get dhcp, log into gui, upload old config.

            The only gotcha is interface reassignment.  Automatic might or might not work for you in your situation.  If not, just edit the config.xml in a text editor replacing the old interface names with the correct new ones before you upload it.

            Worst case the whole project should take about 10 minutes.

            Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
            A comprehensive network diagram is worth 10,000 words and 15 conference calls.
            DO NOT set a source address/port in a port forward or firewall rule unless you KNOW you need it!
            Do Not Chat For Help! NO_WAN_EGRESS(TM)

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            • D
              doktornotor Banned
              last edited by

              https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Automatically_Restore_During_Install

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              • G
                garethsnaim
                last edited by

                Thanks for that link, I think I can handle that!

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