Bitcoin Forum

Hello Everyone

I have downloaded Bitcoin Core. I was wondering, do I have to install the whole blockchain (122GB) on my computer in order for me to use the wallet? Thanks

If you simply want to use the wallet, then you can set pruning in the config file.  In that case, it will still need to download and verify the entire blockchain, but it will delete blocks after it has verified them.  It won't store the whole thing on your computer.

If you don't want to download the entire blockchain, you should consider using one of the SPV wallets such as Electrum.

How long would this verification take? And how can get my private keys after that?

noobs reply, verification of bitcore takes as long as it takes you to download the 120G blockchain file....

you get your private keys (that's where im up to 8) from the command line thingy (rpc console) in BC's Help Menu.

I got a paper-wallet first, much much easier for my noobness

Yes it's taking VERY long. I'm considering a paper wallet tbh. How did you created your paper wallet?

bitaddress.org sorts it... as it says, do it on a secure machine with a secure printer and read many accounts of how to do it... practise with small amounts....

one of the things im finding is it is much easier to buy it, "risk wise", using a paper wallet ie generate your numbers, transfere it from your brokers to you...

all th other sorts of wallets one seems to have to invest some trust into....

remember, never trust anyone!

As you said, have to download 122Gb and synchronize it which takes few days, maybe 4 days until a week depend on your connection speed.
Well, I am not using bitcoin core wallet but have plan to, maybe after I build a new PC. Because it is unique to have the entire blockchain transactions in your computer, and I would like to see and learn about it.
If you want to use a simple wallet but it has several advantages over other wallets, I suggest to use electrum wallet, you can download it from electrum.org

Just let it download automatically but it will take a lot of time. So this is better suggestion and wallet for you.

Just let it download automatically but it will take a lot of time. So this is better suggestion and wallet for :o

If i have bitcoin core i should also have a new wallet? thank you

Yes, the bitcore wallet handles all your address's and keys for you. It even creates extra keys, creates "change" keys, there is a limit, so if you muck with it too much you stuff things. You'll be learning to encrypt it, password it, parapass it, paraphrase it, import and export, send and recieve.
Then there's the command line panel which is crucial. Heaps of juicylongcommands [for_you_there] lol...

Which reminds me to ask here. Can I dump or use rpc to my address's and keys into a txt file? I think not...

Electrum, not to be confused with Electron, has the same learning curve less the blockfile. If you have read widely enough, all the wallets have their issues, or a compromise or an exposure somewhere along the line. Paper doesn't, except for it's media.

Paper's great but you will also need a wallet for small change spending. Remember, the beauty of this system is a payment can't be reversed!

Im about to start on my fourth wallet, i got the node running givin' it my support an' all. Some things in one wallet mean the opposite of the other wallet and sometimes have no relationship to what you expecting...

Bottom line is before you start goin' throwin' your ponys about, know what your dealing with, trust noone but yourself, pay strict attention to security...

Have you bought yet? It's only getting dearer, more expensive day by day. A paper-wallet is simple and quick, sort of like a first test into this market.

If you're talking about Bitcoin Core, then yes... you can use the "dumpwallet" command... you'll need to unlock the wallet with "walletpassphrase" first... and then use dumpwallet. You'll get a text file that shows all your addresses and keys (even the unused ones up to the limit of the keypool).

bloomin' pesky cli and my gummy hand... ta for that  : )