Bitcoin Core Wallet Passphrase

[Papa47]

I downloaded the latest Bitcoin Core Wallet V. 0.9.1.0 a few days ago and did not launch it.  I then downloaded the current .dat file via P2P network and placed it in the proper directory.  I started up and it all sync'd up rather quickly.  I then transferred .02 bitcoin from my Coinbase wallet and it went fine and shows up as my latest transaction. Next, I backed up my wallet to a thumb drive.  A few days later I tried to send a token amount to someone as a test.  It asked for a passphrase.  I'm sure I never gave it one before and the encrypted lock is on.  Am I out my fortune of bitcoins? 

I am glad I did not transfer a whole lot to this wallet.

Thanks!

[DannyHamilton]

Where did you get the ".dat" file?  Perhaps it included a wallet.dat?  If so, then you installed (and are using) someone else's encrypted wallet.

If not, then the only other time I've heard of  the software asking for a password is when the user has set one up.  Perhaps you set up a password and just don't remember?  You'd be surprised how many times that happens.  On multiple occasions I've seen people having problems with a password they don't think they set up or changed.  Then suddenly after a few days of discussions here on the forum, they suddenly post: "Oops, I remember now, I did set up (or change) my password.  I just didn't remember doing it because of (insert explanation here)."

[Papa47]

The https://bitcoin.org/en/download page suggested downloading the Windows 64bit Bitcoin Core.  It also has the following suggestion:
"If you know how to download a torrent file, you can speed up this process by putting bootstrap.dat (a previous copy of the block chain) in the Bitcoin Core data directory before starting the software."  It had the imbedded link to download the torrent. After syncing up and receiving my .02 BTC I backed up to a thumb drive.  Then, later, I tried to Send a small piece of that .02 BTC.  That's when it asked for my Passphrase (not password).  I sure don't remember ever setting it.  I will try to duplicate a download on another computer to see if it suggests a passphrase.

So, I did backup my wallet.  How would I restore it?  If I uninstall the program and download a fresh copy, do I put that backup wallet file somewhere?  I didn't see an "import" capability.

Thanks for any info. 

[DannyHamilton]

The https://bitcoin.org/en/download page suggested downloading the Windows 64bit Bitcoin Core.  It also has the following suggestion:
"If you know how to download a torrent file, you can speed up this process by putting bootstrap.dat (a previous copy of the block chain) in the Bitcoin Core data directory before starting the software."  It had the imbedded link to download the torrent. After syncing up and receiving my .02 BTC I backed up to a thumb drive.  Then, later, I tried to Send a small piece of that .02 BTC.  That's when it asked for my Passphrase (not password).  I sure don't remember ever setting it.  I will try to duplicate a download on another computer to see if it suggests a passphrase.

So, I did backup my wallet.  How would I restore it?  If I uninstall the program and download a fresh copy, do I put that backup wallet file somewhere?  I didn't see an "import" capability.

Thanks for any info.  

You shouldn't need to uninstall the program.

Start by shutting down the Bitcoin Core program so that you aren't interfering with its files while it's running.

Then, if you go to Start -> Run (or press WinKey+R) and run this:

Code:

explorer %APPDATA%\Bitcoin

Bitcoin's data folder will open. For most users, this is one of the following locations:

Code:

C:\Documents and Settings\YourUserName\Application data\Bitcoin (XP)

C:\Users\YourUserName\Appdata\Roaming\Bitcoin (Vista and 7)

In that location you should see a file named:

Code:

wallet.dat

That is your bitcoin wallet.  It has everything necessary to access your bitcoins and some of the content is encrypted with a passphrase if you set one up.  Make a backup copy of this file first just in case the file on your USB isn't correct.

Once you are sure that you have a good backup of this wallet.dat file, you can move it out of the way by renaming it.  Perhaps use the date as part of the filename so you remember later when it is from.  So, for example rename this wallet.dat file to:

Code:

20140417wallet.dat

Next, you need to copy the file from the USB to this location, AND you need to name it wallet.dat.  It is important that it has that exact filename.  It also has to be all lowercase letters.

Once you've done that, you can start Bitcoin Core up again.  It should see this replacement wallet.dat, and show you any balance that was received at any address that exists in this wallet.dat file.

If you set a passphrase after creating the backup, then this backup should be able to send the bitcoins without a passphrase.  If you set a passphrase before creating a backup, then you'll still have the same problem as before.