What are the steps to perform a FortiGate backup and restore of a full configuration?

• A. Use the FortiGate mobile app.
• B. Use GUI System > Maintenance > Backup/Restore (or CLI), export the full config, store securely, and restore to a compatible FortiGate version when needed.
• C. Only use the CLI and never export; never restore.
• D. Backup is automatic and cannot be restored.

Answer: (B)

Backing up a FortiGate full configuration means exporting the entire device configuration so you can reproduce its settings later. Do this via the GUI path System > Maintenance > Backup/Restore (Backup/Restore) and choose the full config, or use the same capability from the CLI. Save the resulting file in a secure location and note the FortiOS version it was created on, because you should restore to a compatible FortiGate version.

When you need to recover, use the same Backup/Restore process to load the backup file. The restoration re-creates all settings—policies, interfaces, VPNs, routing, and other configurations—so you don’t have to reconfigure from scratch. Remember, the backup contains configuration data only, not the firmware image, so firmware updates or downgrades are handled separately.

This approach is the best because it enables quick, exact recovery of a device’s operational state. The other options aren’t correct: a FortiGate backup isn’t performed only via a mobile app, you can export and restore a full config, and backups are not automatic nor un-restorable.