What is the difference between 'reload' and 'copy startup-config running-config' on a router or switch

Question

picuture In this case (see picture), it is better to do option 4 instead of option 1, right? I know what 'reload' does and 'copy startup-config running-config', but I feel that it is just easier to do the 4th one. Please help me:)

I tried to do both commands, but it results the same, in this case atleast.

Answer 1

Issuing copy startup-config running-config won't write over the running configuration. Instead, it'll just 'add' onto it, as if you're copy and pasting. The configuration will end up messy and incomplete. Reloading the router is the best option, as the running-config is wiped and the startup-config is used.

Deleting the vlan.dat file won't affect the startup or running config files and closing the terminal software does nothing to the router (the device is still on even if the terminal is closed.)