Running bitcoin from a flash drive

[MacFall]

I installed bitcoin on an encrypted flash drive, but the folder in Windows's Application Data still exists. Is there any way to run it entirely from a flash drive so that my wallet doesn't ever appear on my hard drive? Keep in mind that I'm sort of tech retarded so if it involves hacking the source code or recompiling kernels or anything like that, it's out of my reach.

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[mewantsbitcoins]

Use -datadir=<dir>

[tunatime]

back up your wallet a lot flash drives die at a high rate. and if your going to have you main wallet on the flash i woudl back it up to at least 2 other places

[MacFall]

Use -datadir=<dir>

...¿Que?

[mewantsbitcoins]

You have to copy the whole bitcoin directory, then open cmd, navigate where your bitcoin binary is(program files?) and run

Code:

bitcoin.exe -datadir=path_to_the_directory_on_your_flash_drive

[BudGecko]

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Securing_your_wallet#Locating_BitCoin_s_data_directory
Locate your data directory:

Start > Run
explorer %APPDATA%\Bitcoin

..then copy its contents (which includes wallet.dat) to the encrypted flash drive.

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Securing_your_wallet#Windows

Then, like mewantsbitcoin said, either run from a commandline or make a shortcut with the contents:
bitcoin.exe -datadir=path_to_the_directory_on_your_flash_drive

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Securing_your_wallet#Erasing_Plain_Text_Wallets

Then shred your wallet off your Windows hard drive.

[MacFall]

Ok, thanks guys! Now will this work every time I run bitcoin from here on, or do I need to use the same process/shortcut for it to work? The shortcut wouldn't be a problem except for the possibility of the drive letter changing.

[AtomSea]

The -datadir=<dir> works nicely for other blockchain wallets Thank you.
My goal is to have multiple blockchains on one thumbdrive.
The hardware now exists to usher in the age of the blockchain. . .
(cue dramatic music)