I had been using old bitcoin-qt and now I seem stuck

[btcdeep]

Years ago I used bitcoin-qt.exe and for a while would run it and let it update/download the blockchain in order to send any BTC. I had not done so for a very long time, and recently tried firing it up again but it was unable to fully update the blockhain, giving an i/o error or some such. Sence it was borked, I nuked the blockchain files to get some HDD space back. I have saved (from the distant past) my bitcoin_wallet_encrypted.dat. I was assuming I could import this into some new service/application, but I'm not finding any ability to do so. How can I get myself back access to my BTC?

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[unholycactus]

https://blockchain.info/wallet/import-wallet

Never tried it because it's an online wallet. You should be able to import it there, even if it's encrypted.
It's the simplest solution I can provide. I would also advise you to transfer your funds to a wallet where you're the only one who controls the private keys afterwards.

[btcdeep]

I had found that doing some of my own research, when you attempt to drag/drop the wallet.dat the browser behaves like you've downloaded the file, eg. "do you want to open or save wallet.dat..." it dosn't make it into blockchain.info's web app. Tried in both internet explorer and firefox.

[DannyHamilton]

There is a tool written in python called pywallet that  can extract information (such as private keys) from your backup file which you can then import into any wallet that allows importing or sweeping of private keys.

Or, you could install the latest version of Bitcoin Core and open it with a copy of your backup file.  Then you can export the private keys from there, or wait for it to synchronize.

[PremiumCodeX]

I am using blockchain (dot) info and I find its features smooth. So, you were trying to drag & drop your wallet.dat file into the web GUI and your browser offered to save or open the file like it would do at a download. It says to me you have an OS issue there. I have a guess on that you were using Windows. Does drag & drop feature work at any other site? Anyway, I think a simpler way will be to avoid the issue in this case and go with the suggestion of the member above me. I am adding that you can download pywallet, the tool that was mentioned, from here. From the same site and assuming I was right about your OS, you can install everything what you will need. Let us know please about your experience!

[ranochigo]

Blockchain.info import wallet feature via wallet.dat no longer works, at least to my wallet and experience.

If you want, you can just open Bitcoin Core, go to Help>Debug Window>Console and use

Code:

dumpprivkey "Address"

to extract the private key. Import the private key to another SPV wallet. Make sure that the correct wallet.dat is in the data directory.

[btcdeep]

Blockchain.info import wallet feature via wallet.dat no longer works, at least to my wallet and experience.

My experience is the same. two browsers on my regular PC, and IE on two other different PCs all same experience.

If you want, you can just open Bitcoin Core, go to Help>Debug Window>Console and use

Code:

dumpprivkey "Address"

to extract the private key. Import the private key to another SPV wallet. Make sure that the correct wallet.dat is in the data directory.

it gives error: Private key for address (myaddress) is not known (code -4)

[achow101]

Blockchain.info import wallet feature via wallet.dat no longer works, at least to my wallet and experience.

My experience is the same. two browsers on my regular PC, and IE on two other different PCs all same experience.

That feature was discontinued or hasn't been working for the past several months/years. I don't know why they still keep that page up though, confuses the hell out of everyone.

If you want, you can just open Bitcoin Core, go to Help>Debug Window>Console and use

Code:

dumpprivkey "Address"

to extract the private key. Import the private key to another SPV wallet. Make sure that the correct wallet.dat is in the data directory.

it gives error: Private key for address (myaddress) is not known (code -4)

Did you have a password on the wallet? If so, you must first run

Code:

walletpassphrase <passphrase> 120

where <passphrase> is your passphrase. This command will unlock the wallet for 120 seconds (2 minutes) in which time you must do all of your private key operations (dumpprivkey).

I also highly recommend that you continue to use Bitcoin Core. Install the latest Bitcoin Core from https://bitcoin.org/en/download. Then put your wallet.dat file in the data directory. Then when you start Bitcoin Core, you may need to use the -upgradewallet option, depending on what version of Bitcoin-qt you previously ran.

[btcdeep]

I think I got it, needed walletpassphrase "your walletpassphrase here" 600 to unlock encrypted wallet.