MikroTik rsc File

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Mastering the MikroTik .rsc File: Your Guide to Portable Configurations

If you’ve ever managed a MikroTik router, you’ve likely encountered two types of "backup" files: the standard .backup and the flexible .rsc. While the binary backup is great for a quick "undo" button, the .rsc (RouterOS Script) file is the true secret weapon for network administrators.

In this post, we’ll dive into what an .rsc file is, why it’s superior for migrations, and how to use it like a pro.

    




What exactly is a .rsc file?

Unlike a standard system backup, an .rsc file is a plain-text script. It contains the exact CLI (Command Line Interface) commands required to rebuild your router’s configuration from scratch.

Think of it this way:

  • A .backup file is a "snapshot" of the router's entire brain.

  • An .rsc file is a "recipe" that tells the router how to cook the configuration.

Why use .rsc instead of .backup?

Most beginners rely on /system backup, but experienced "Tik" admins prefer /export. Here’s why:

1. Model Portability

Binary backups are hardware-dependent. If you try to restore a backup from an RB4011 onto an L009, you will likely encounter interface errors or system crashes. Because an .rsc file is just a list of commands, you can apply it to any MikroTik model.

2. Human-Readable & Editable

You can open an .rsc file in Notepad++ or VS Code. This allows you to:

  • Change IP addresses before importing.

  • Remove specific firewall rules.

  • Audit the configuration without needing a router.

3. Partial Exports

Need to copy just the Firewall rules or the DHCP setup to a different router? You can export just a specific "branch" of the configuration tree rather than the whole thing.

How to Create and Use .rsc Files

Exporting your Configuration

To generate the file, open your MikroTik terminal and use the export command:

# Export the entire configuration
/export file=MyRouterConfig

# Export only the firewall rules
/ip firewall export file=MyFirewallRules

Pro Tip: In newer RouterOS versions, the export is "compact" by default, meaning it only shows settings you have changed from the factory defaults.

Importing a Configuration

To apply an .rsc file to a new router:

  1. Upload the .rsc file to the Files menu in WinBox.

  2. Open the Terminal.

  3. Type: /import file-name=MyRouterConfig.rsc

Warning: It is highly recommended to run /system reset-configuration (keep-users=no) before importing a full config to avoid command conflicts with existing settings.

Comparison Table: .rsc vs .backup

Feature.rsc (Script).backup (Binary)
FormatPlain TextBinary / Encrypted
EditabilityYes (Text Editor)No
PortabilityHigh (Any model)Low (Same model only)
SecurityUsually excludes passwords*Includes all system data
Best ForMigrations & AuditingDisaster Recovery

*Note: In newer versions of RouterOS, you must explicitly use show-sensitive if you want to include passwords in an export.

Summary

The .rsc file is more than just a backup; it is a management tool. Whether you are standardizing a fleet of routers or just moving your home setup to a newer model, mastering the /export and /import workflow is essential for any MikroTik user.

References

  1. MikroTik Documentation: Configuration Management & Export

  2. MikroTik Wiki: Using the Export Command

  3. YouTube Tutorial: How to make a portable MikroTik Config Script

  4. Community Forum: Best practices for importing .rsc files

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