This question mainly concerns my GL‑MT6000 router, though it probably applies to other models from the same brand. My router is currently running with very few customisations, aside from having AdGuard installed. I’m planning to start making some changes/tweaks soon, such as installing additional application plug‑ins, so I want to create a reliable backup in case I need to roll back. I’m not entirely confident that uninstalling a plug‑in fully removes everything it installs.
With that in mind, if I restore from a previously created backup, will the router return exactly to its earlier state? Or is it possible that leftover configuration files or other data could remain on the internal storage?
I noticed the message in the restore (upload archive) section stating: “Custom files (certificates, scripts) may remain on the system. To prevent this, perform a factory reset first.” Should I assume, then, that the recommended approach for a completely clean rollback is to perform a factory reset before restoring a backup?
For reference, my backup process is:
System > Advanced Settings > Go to LuCI > Backup / Flash Firmware > Backup – Generate Archive
And to restore, I would use:
System > Advanced Settings > Go to LuCI > Backup / Flash Firmware > Restore – Upload Archive, or perform a reset first
If you uninstalled a plug-in, it doesn’t remove config files, so if you reinstalled it, you will maintain previous settings. If you want a clean rollback you should perform a factory reset, later install plug-ins that you need after roll back, and then restore the backup.
Is there anything in the configuration that isn’t out back by the Restore when a Reset has been done prior to Restore?
Well, backup is extensive, so I don’t miss anything after restoring… I use IPv6, band steering with usteer, ddns, wireguard and all config remains. If you go to luci system/backup flash firmware/configuration and click in “show current backup file list” you can check what would be backed up, and even you can put additional config files/folders that you want to preserve. Also you can check backup file contents (is simply a compressed tar file). It’s important to make a list of plug-ins that you installed, because they will be erased after factory reset.
thanks for the comments - very useful. I will bear this in mind if/when i come to backup/restore
Oh, oh. Is there any way of telling the plugins I installed vs the hundreds that come pre-installed? I know I installed things for DDNS and Wake-on-LAN, but I don’t remember what else.
Not directly, but i think you can save a list of current installed plugins, and later compare it with an after factory reset list.