Blockchain.info backup import functionality removed

[phillipsjk]

When I launched multibit, I was alarmed to learn that the importation blockchain.info wallet export files was removed.

I created such a file (and kept a paper back-up) back in September or August of last year. Because the funds are not mine, I do not keep them on my machine. I was counting on being able to use Multibit to restore the key in the event blockchain.info ever went down or was considered unreliable for some reason.

My immediate response after seeing functionally removed is to not upgrade: upgrades have been often detrimental to the user since the 1996 WIPO "Copyright" and "Performances and Phonograms" treaties.

I then thought: "Ok, maybe there is a reason the functionality was removed if it was a 'bug fix'". I then went to the Release Notes, then the Multibit website looking for the source-code and bug-tracking database. I never found it. (Update: it is the "To get involved you should fork the source code on GitHub." link). I found a link to these forums, and found the thread about how a user lost a lot of Bitcoins and complained on reddit. I searched the forum and found this thread describing a new blockchain.info wallet import tool.

I finally found the Blog post explaining the issue. However, the suggested replacement tool currently just displays the message: "This document has been removed temporarily"

TL;dr: This post is mainly search-engine bait in case somebody else is confused as well.

[R2D221]

You can use the previous version (0.5.17) to import the keys. Just be extremely careful about having backups before attempting to import them.


As far as I know, Jim decided to remove the import feature because it caused more troubles, and that people who really knew what they're doing should use Armory or other advanced software.

[prof7bit]

You can use the previous version (0.5.17) to import the keys.

This version will import compressed keys wrongly, the blockchain.info import function is broken!

The safest method at the moment is to use "wallet key tool" (github/prof7bit). It can also repair previously wrongly imported compressed keys by allowing the user to generate the compressed counterparts of uncompressed keys with a simple click of the mouse.

[R2D221]

You can use the previous version (0.5.17) to import the keys.

This version will import compressed keys wrongly, the blockchain.info import function is broken!

I didn't know this. Sorry.