Core v0.12.1 and backing up my wallet.dat files issue

[Fakhoury]

Hello,

So today I decided to move my wallet.dat (2 files) and .lock files to my offline laptop and made some test on my PC to assure my backup is working or not, but I ran into issues.

Here is what I did :

1. I was running Core v0.12 successfully with no single issue.
2. I took a copy of the following files to my offline laptop

.lock (I supposed this file is the where the wallet password is saved, my wallet is password protected)
wallet1.dat
wallet.dat
db.log
debug.log
fee_estimates.dat
peers.dat

3. I've installed Core v0.12.1 over v0.12 like I've always used to.
4. I let v0.12.1 run WITHOUT the files above, to create a new empty wallet.dat file along with other necessary files and updated the blocks.
5. I've moved the NEW .lock and wallet away and replaced them with

.lock (OLD one)
wallet1.dat
wallet.dat

6. Everytime I run the the new version, it ends with (Done Loading) of my wallet address then an error (bitcoin-qt.exe has stopped working), like this one



BUT, I was successful in running it few times and while writing this, I tried to open it like 5-6 times, I was always successful, I did nothing to fix the issue, only writing this topic.

I'm afraid about my backup solution to be honest.

[1715695771]

1715695771

[1715695771]

1715695771

[1715695771]

1715695771

[achow101]

The .lock file is not related to the wallet at all. Your wallet password is never written to the disk, just held in memory.

Try just copying the wallet.dat file and make sure that when you do that Bitcoin Core is shutdown.

[Fakhoury]

The .lock file is not related to the wallet at all. Your wallet password is never written to the disk, just held in memory.

Try just copying the wallet.dat file and make sure that when you do that Bitcoin Core is shutdown.

You are right with all what you said, thank you for your help.

.lock file is used to ensure that only one instance of the program is being run at the same time.

never ever move a wallet file. ever.

Wallets should not be even touched while core is running. Especially on Mac, Apple filesystems are known to be shit, and you will lose all your funds.

copy it to desired location. If you need to move the funds, simply copy the wallet, or even better, send the money.

I've always moved my wallets .dat files when core was completely shutdown