Private Key Question

[Markus11]

Hello,

I have a paperwallet and would like to ask if i import the privatekey in the clientwallet to transfer some coins, do i need (automatically receive) a new private key for the rest of the coins or can i use the "old key"?

Further, if i backup the wallet.dat and store it on a usb device, do i have to delete the wallet.dat (i backed up) from my client/pc or will this happen automatically?

Thx alot

[CIYAM]

Am not clear about your second question but if you import a private key into the Satoshi client that presumably has no existing balance and then you "send coins" then the "change" will go to a different (and in fact *hidden*) address.

[dhenson]

1) The benefit of an offline paper wallet is that the private key has never been on an internet connected computer and therefore can't be stolen via malware/keylogger etc.  Once you have redeemed the paper wallet (by using the importprivkey function) it is best to throw it a way and transfer your money to a new offline paper wallet.

2) If you are manually copying the wallet.dat to a USB key you will have to manually delete it from the computer.  I would recommend storing multiple copies of the wallet.dat as you wouldn't want to lose all of your money if you were to lose the usb key or have it get corrupted/damaged.

[Markus11]

thx alot!!!