.dat files

[LFC_Bitcoin]

Can anybody remind me how to hell to open .dat files on Windows 10 (without Office).

All I can see is a lot of nonsense when trying to use Notepad. I've been using Trezor & paper wallets for ages. Can't remember how to open one.

[achow101]

Can anybody remind me how to hell to open .dat files on Windows 10 (without Office).

All I can see is a lot of nonsense when trying to use Notepad. I've been using Trezor & paper wallets for ages. Can't remember how to open one.

You generally aren't supposed to open .dat files. Those are data files and their formats differ depending on the software the created it. Generally you use hex editors to open those files.

[shorena]

Since you posted in tech support, is it a wallet.dat from bitcoin core?

[LFC_Bitcoin]

Since you posted in tech support, is it a wallet.dat from bitcoin core?

Yes.
I haven't used Core for a long time, I downloaded the entire blockchain again recently purely to use Bitcoin Core on a clean PC to store some coins.

I've made a back up & just wondered how to open the file if I ever need to.

I'm a bit of a long term HODLER so it's not urgent.

What do I do with this wallet back up file if my PC ever breaks, if I can't even open the .dat file.  

I'm not majorly tech gifted, just a saver/HODLER - I like to be prepared for every eventuality.

[achow101]

Since you posted in tech support, is it a wallet.dat from bitcoin core?

Yes.
I haven't used Core for a long time, I downloaded the entire blockchain again recently purely to use Bitcoin Core on a clean PC to store some coins.

I've made a back up & just wondered how to open the file if I ever need to.

I'm a bit of a long term HODLER so it's not urgent.

What do I do with this wallet back up file if my PC ever breaks, if I can't even open the .dat file.  

I'm not majorly tech gifted, just a saver/HODLER - I like to be prepared for every eventuality.

You can download and install Bitcoin Core again which should be able to read that file. If it can't, then you can download an older version that can. Another option is to use a tool like pywallet which can dump the private keys from the wallet.dat file so that you can import them into another wallet and spend the Bitcoin.

[LFC_Bitcoin]

So if I wanted to upload this wallet.dat file into a fresh Core client download would I do the following -

- Open Client
- File
- Open URL
- Open payment request from URI or file

Bang the wallet.dat in, press OK & that's it, all the addresses & private keys will be uploaded

Sorry for the total noobness (embarrassed). I just like to be prepared

[shorena]

So if I wanted to upload this wallet.dat file into a fresh Core client download would I do the following -

- Open Client IIRC it needs to start once to create folders

- Close client, put wallet.dat in the correct place.
- Start client again

- File
- Open URL
- Open payment request from URI or file

Bang the wallet.dat in, press OK & that's it, all the addresses & private keys will be uploaded

- While its syncing (can be ignored) go to Help -> Debug Window -> Console
- unlock for 120 seconds with: walletpassphrase pass123 120
- get all the private keys to a file with: dumpwallet c:\keys.txt (modify for OS if needed)
- open file and import private keys into any other wallet you like.

Sorry for the total noobness (embarrassed). I just like to be prepared

Dont be embarrassed for asking question.

[LFC_Bitcoin]

Thanks guys, always great to see people around here willing to help & share their knowledge.



/thread