I was having a similar issue when trying to save the vlan.dat in GNS3.

In GNS3 you have to use the old method which is creating them from vlan database mode. Then when you want to save them you go into global config mode and type t he following command: router(config)#vtp file nvram:vlan.dat router(config)#do wr mem Building configuration [OK] _________________ You know when you boot your router, the flash: is not saved and the vlan.dat tha t is saved on it is lost.. To remedy this, use a vlan.dat saved in nvram: SW0(config)# vtp file nvram:/vlan.dat SW0#dir nvram: Directory of nvram:/ 123 124 1 2 -rw----rw-rw1683 5 0 780 startup-config private-config ifIndex-table vlan.dat

There, now all your vlan/vtp config will be saved.. _____________________ Create a New Project. MAKE SURE you check the options to Save nvrams and other disk files and export r outer configs Now give it a shot. If it still doesn't work, try making your switch vtp mode tr ansparent _______________ http://www.gns3-labs.com/2008/11/30/vlan-database-lost-when-restarting-saving-vl andat-to-nvram/ ____________________