How to clone pfsense.

How to backup the pfSense Configuration and Restore it to a fresh installation.

Backup Process

(these steps should be performed on the "source"/"original" pfsense HW)

1. Connect to the Web Configurator GUI.
2. Diagnostics -> Backup & Restore
3. Uncheck Skip RRD data / Do not backup RRD data
4. Download Configuration as XML.

Installation Process

(these steps should be performed on the "destination" pfsense HW)

1. Install pfSense.
2. Connect to the Web Configurator GUI.
3. Complete the Quick setup steps by blindly pressing next, next, next...
4. Check for and install any updates
5. REBOOT (Don't forget this step)

Restore Process

(these steps should be performed on the "destination" pfsense HW)

1. Web Configurator GUI -> Diagnostics -> Backup & Restore -> Configuration file -> Select the backup xml file -> Restore Configuration button.
2. At this point the system should prompt you to reassign interfaces. If it does not, then you may have missed something.
3. Assign interfaces
4. Reboot
5. Test

Congrats! You should have a working clone of the "source" pfsense.

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