Subject: Security, Forensics, and Data Recovery of .backup Files
Target Audience: Network Engineers, Security Researchers, System Administrators
Date: October 26, 2023
MikroTik RouterOS creates two types of backup files:
If you only have a .backup file, you must use RouterOS itself to convert it.
Network administrators rely on backup files to ensure business continuity. In the MikroTik ecosystem, the /system backup save command generates a binary snapshot of the system configuration. This file allows for rapid restoration of a device to a previous state.
The binary format offers convenience but presents significant challenges for auditing and forensics. Unlike an export file (.rsc), a .backup file cannot be read with a standard text editor. Historically, this obscured configurations from view, creating a false sense of security. Understanding how to "open" these files is critical for password recovery, configuration auditing, and malware analysis (e.g., investigating botnets like Meris that target MikroTik devices).
Since direct opening is impossible, you must restore it onto a RouterOS instance.
If you need to open a .backup file to read its contents:
Final recommendation: Treat .backup as a black box for restore-only operations, not an inspectable artifact. For documentation, compliance, or review, always export to .rsc.
How to Open and Read MikroTik Backup Files (.backup vs .rsc)
MikroTik RouterOS is an incredibly robust networking system. However, one of its common points of confusion is how to interact with its backup files. If you've tried opening a .backup file in Notepad, you’ve likely seen a screen full of gibberish.
This article explains the difference between binary backups and scripted exports and shows you how to properly handle them. 1. The Two Types of MikroTik Backups open mikrotik backup file
It is crucial to understand that MikroTik offers two different ways to save configurations. A. Binary Backup (.backup)
What it is: A comprehensive, encrypted binary snapshot of the entire router state.
Best for: Full system restoration on the exact same hardware.
Can you read it? No. It is encrypted and not meant to be read by humans. B. Configuration Export (.rsc)
What it is: A human-readable text file containing command-line interface (CLI) commands to replicate the configuration.
Best for: Backing up configuration, reading/modifying settings, or applying to different devices.
Can you read it? Yes. You can open this in Notepad++, VS Code, or any text editor. 2. How to Create an Openable Export File (.rsc)
If you need to read your configuration, you should not use the "Backup" button. Instead, you need to use the Export feature, which creates an .rsc file. Open Winbox and log in to your router. Click New Terminal.
Type the following command and press Enter:/export file=my_config_backup Go to the Files menu on the left. Find my_config_backup.rsc.
Drag and drop this file from Winbox onto your computer desktop. Subject: Security, Forensics, and Data Recovery of
You can now open this .rsc file with any text editor to view or modify your settings. 3. How to "Open" or Restore a Binary .backup File
If you have a .backup file and need to restore it, you cannot read it, but you can restore it to a router.
Drag and drop your .backup file into the Files list in Winbox. Click on the file in the list to highlight it. Click the Restore button.
Optional: If you set a password when creating the backup, you will need to enter it here. 4. Troubleshooting: Why Can't I Read My Backup?
If you are looking at a .backup file and it looks like encrypted garbage, that is normal.
Encryption: MikroTik encrypted binary backups prevent unauthorized modification and protect sensitive data like user passwords and certificates.
The Solution: Use the /export command described in Section 2 to create a readable .rsc file instead of using the "Backup" button. To help you further, are you trying to: Migrate settings to a new, different router? Read specific settings to copy them? Automate backups?
Let me know which you need, and I can give you the specific steps or scripts! Mastering MikroTik Backups - Free MTCNA Ep.9
Opening a MikroTik backup file (.backup) depends on whether you want to restore its settings to a router or read its contents on your computer. 1. Restoring a .backup File (Standard Use)
A .backup file is a binary file designed solely for restoring a configuration to the same MikroTik device or an identical hardware model. Via Winbox: Connect to your router using the Winbox utility. Navigate to Files in the left-hand menu. MikroTik RouterOS creates two types of backup files:
Drag and drop your .backup file from your computer into the File List window. Select the file and click the Restore button.
Enter the backup password (if one was set) and click Restore again. The router will reboot to apply the settings. 2. Reading Contents on a Computer
Because .backup files are encrypted binary blobs, they cannot be opened with standard text editors like Notepad. How to Read Router backup File (.backup) - MikroTik Forum
Feature: "Mikrotik Backup Explorer"
Description: A user-friendly tool that allows users to easily open, view, and extract specific configurations or data from Mikrotik backup files.
Key Features:
Benefits:
Potential Use Cases:
Possible Technical Implementation:
Based on your request, it seems you are looking for a tool, script, or method to open and view the contents of a MikroTik backup file (typically .backup files).
Since MikroTik .backup files are binary and encrypted/archived specifically for RouterOS, they are not human-readable by default.
Here are the features and methods to "open" or "restore" these files, ranging from official tools to third-party workarounds.