Verify old wallet

[bgst2]

Hello I have like 0.1 bitcoin in a wallet.dat on a usb drive. I mined the bitcoins myself back in the beginning so the wallet might be in an old format.

I want to verify that the file is not corrupt. What would be the easiest/safest way to do that?

I don't want to spend any bitcoins or mess with the file, it is just that I'm about to lose some old backups so I want to make sure that my coins are safe.

Thanks
Benjamin

[1713264700]

1713264700

[1713264700]

1713264700

[1713264700]

1713264700

[1713264700]

1713264700

[1713264700]

1713264700

[1713264700]

1713264700

[LoyceV]

Install Bitcoin Core, and see if it can open a copy of your wallet.dat. It doesn't necessarily need to download the full 175 GB blockchain to open your file.
For long term storage, I would recommend switching to a paper wallet instead of USB-sticks.

[Xynerise]

Like LoyceV says, first make a copy of the wallet.dat file, then download bitcoin Core.
Swap the default wallet.dat file with your own in the data directory.
Open the debug window
Open the console tab
Then type

Code:

listaddressgroupings

to get a list of addresses controlled by the wallet
You can check the balances of the addresses in any block explorer.
If you want to import the private key to an SPV wallet then unlock the wallet, and type

Code:

dumpprivkey <address>

[bgst2]

Thanks!

So if I make a copy of my old wallet and mess around with that (import convert etc.) my old copy will still hold my bitcoins right? I mean as long as I dont spend any bitcoins it doesn't matter what I do with the copy right? (I can delete the copy after I verify the bitcoins?)

[ranochigo]

So if I make a copy of my old wallet and mess around with that (import convert etc.) my old copy will still hold my bitcoins right? I mean as long as I dont spend any bitcoins it doesn't matter what I do with the copy right? (I can delete the copy after I verify the bitcoins?)

Yes. The copy of your wallet.dat will always have the same private key as the other wallet.dat. Your wallet files would never get invalidated, strictly speaking. If you don't touch it, your Bitcoins will not be moved.

[LoyceV]

So if I make a copy of my old wallet and mess around with that (import convert etc.) my old copy will still hold my bitcoins right?

Correct.

I mean as long as I dont spend any bitcoins it doesn't matter what I do with the copy right?

Yes, but make sure you keep every copy safe. To state the obvious: don't use it on an untrusted computer.

(I can delete the copy after I verify the bitcoins?)

Yes, but keep in mind USB-sticks don't last forever. I wouldn't trust just one copy, but keep a few.

[Xynerise]

Thanks!

So if I make a copy of my old wallet and mess around with that (import convert etc.) my old copy will still hold my bitcoins right? I mean as long as I dont spend any bitcoins it doesn't matter what I do with the copy right? (I can delete the copy after I verify the bitcoins?)

If you're going to mess around with it then do it in a secure environment.
If any of the keys inadvertently leak then you 'd lose the bitcoins associated with that private key.

[bgst2]

Thanks for the help. I know what to do now.