Where does the Portable version of the wallet file located?

[beholder]

I just learned about Electrum wallet and was told it's very useful. Gone to the home page and there were 3 downloads option. The most striking option is the "Portable" version.

As there is no description on that download page, I assumed this version is the one without the whole chain of ledger needed to be synced with my machine, hence I go for that.

1st problem: During installation, it gave me this error:
Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library
Runtime Error!
R6034
An application has made an attempt to load the C runtime library incorrectly.
(I did not copied my own exact error, but above was copied from somewhere over the net, which looks similar.)

After installation, I can't find the wallet file, which was told to be supposedly at:
UsersYourUserNameAppDataRoamingElectrumwallets

But there is nothing there. I can't even see the directory being created.

So, without a documentation to understand what is this wallet or what are the differences between the wallets, I don't dare to start using. Listed are 3 downloads but without any single explanation at all (refering to windows):
Standalone Executable (signature)
Windows Installer (signature)
Portable version (signature) (security advice)


Basically, what I'm looking for is:
1. No need for downloading the chain, which should be Electrum
2. An explanation on the file structure, focusing on where and how to save/backup/protect the wallet file. BTW, what is the filename of the Electrum wallet file?
3. Or do I really need to backup the wallet file here since Electrum is implementing the seed for recovery?
4. Any more detailed explanation of 3 wallets?

Have been searching around for 2 days but without an answer.

[ranochigo]

I just learned about Electrum wallet and was told it's very useful. Gone to the home page and there were 3 downloads option. The most striking option is the "Portable" version.

As there is no description on that download page, I assumed this version is the one without the whole chain of ledger needed to be synced with my machine, hence I go for that.

No. Electrum by itself is an SPV wallet. Every version you download will not require the client to synchronize to the full blockchain.

1st problem: During installation, it gave me this error:
Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library
Runtime Error!
R6034
An application has made an attempt to load the C runtime library incorrectly.
(I did not copied my own exact error, but above was copied from somewhere over the net, which looks similar.)

Weird, never had this problem before. Could you give us the full error?

After installation, I can't find the wallet file, which was told to be supposedly at:
UsersYourUserNameAppDataRoamingElectrumwallets

But there is nothing there. I can't even see the directory being created.

That is only for the "Windows Installer" and "Standalone Executable". For the portable version, a folder is created in the place where you store the portable version a folder called "Electrum_data" is created when the wallet is created.

So, without a documentation to understand what is this wallet or what are the differences between the wallets, I don't dare to start using. Listed are 3 downloads but without any single explanation at all (refering to windows):
Standalone Executable (signature)
Windows Installer (signature)
Portable version (signature) (security advice)

The standalone executable is basically the entire Electrum and its dependencies shrunk into an executable. The wallet file is saved in %appdata%\Electrum\Wallets. The windows installer installs the Electrum into Program Files and the directory is the same. The portable version is nearly the same as the standalone executable except that the wallet file and the blockheaders are saved in the same directory as the portable executable.

2. An explanation on the file structure, focusing on where and how to save/backup/protect the wallet file. BTW, what is the filename of the Electrum wallet file?

Look above. The filename by default is default_wallet and Electrum will attempt to find it when it starts up.

3. Or do I really need to backup the wallet file here since Electrum is implementing the seed for recovery?

No the seeds recover the entire wallet, there is no need. But at the same time, no harm done if you decide to back it up.

Let me know if you don't understand anything.

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@ranochigo

There are in fact quite many reported this runtime error. I just randomly pick one here:
https://github.com/spesmilo/electrum/issues/1000

Sorry, I can't remember what I had clicked and gone through that stage. I can see my wallet. Though am unsure if it will work well since I ignore that runtime error. Can you help suggest anything that I can do to ensure the wallet is working? Sending some coins to try? Or files that I should check?

For the 3 different wallets, it seems that all will achieve what I wanted - no download of blockchain. And, I really don't need to bother about the wallet file like qt client. I just need to safely keep the seed info. Is there any other thing that I have to take care of the wallet file here? Or anything else I need to do to ensure no coin lost?

[ranochigo]

I can see my wallet. Though am unsure if it will work well since I ignore that runtime error. Can you help suggest anything that I can do to ensure the wallet is working? Sending some coins to try? Or files that I should check?

If you backup your seed, nothing would go wrong. You can try using it with a small amount and ensure the sending works.

For the 3 different wallets, it seems that all will achieve what I wanted - no download of blockchain. And, I really don't need to bother about the wallet file like qt client. I just need to safely keep the seed info. Is there any other thing that I have to take care of the wallet file here? Or anything else I need to do to ensure no coin lost?

Nothing else, your seed is everything you need. Just make sure your computer is free from malware and you won't face any issues.

[BitcoinNewsMagazine]

Many users prefer the portable version of Electrum because you can keep the exe and all data in a single folder on your desktop or an encrypted flash drive. The portable version does not write to \AppData\ like the other versions.

[Abdussamad]

The developer actually doesn't recommend the portable version. I suggest going with the windows installer version. Why are people so afraid of using that? On windows installing software is as easy as clicking next, next, next!

[beholder]

The developer actually doesn't recommend the portable version. I suggest going with the windows installer version. Why are people so afraid of using that? On windows installing software is as easy as clicking next, next, next!

Actually I do like to do the installer version like qt client, and have a feel of holding the backup of the wallet file    But the name "portable" sounds so convenient. I can just bring a usb stick and move around without a need for the full machine when travelling.

Why is it not recommended btw?

[ranochigo]

The developer actually doesn't recommend the portable version. I suggest going with the windows installer version. Why are people so afraid of using that? On windows installing software is as easy as clicking next, next, next!

Actually I do like to do the installer version like qt client, and have a feel of holding the backup of the wallet file    But the name "portable" sounds so convenient. I can just bring a usb stick and move around without a need for the full machine when travelling.

Why is it not recommended btw?

Since it is "portable", the user is more than likely to use it on different computers, sometimes insecure ones. If the computer you accessed were somehow infected with malware, you would likely lose your funds to hacks.

It is fine if the machine you used are safe, eg. your desktop and your laptop.

[Abdussamad]

The developer actually doesn't recommend the portable version. I suggest going with the windows installer version. Why are people so afraid of using that? On windows installing software is as easy as clicking next, next, next!

Actually I do like to do the installer version like qt client, and have a feel of holding the backup of the wallet file    But the name "portable" sounds so convenient. I can just bring a usb stick and move around without a need for the full machine when travelling.

Why is it not recommended btw?

If you need portability you should get a second wallet on your mobile. Mycelium is popular for that purpose.