Installing Bitcoin on an encrypted USB Stick

[bitbadger]

Id like to create an encrypted wallet.dat on a USB stick using Truecrypt.

I know how to set up the encryption with Truecrypt, but Im having problems when it comes to the Bitcoin client.

I have to create a Windows shortcut to start Bitcoin, with the parameter -datadir=mount point of my USB Truecrypt volume, in order to point to the new location of the wallet.dat on the USB, so it can locate the wallet.dat.

I know how to mount the Truecrypt volume file I created and I know the drive letter for it. That part is all OK.

But when I enter the command in the Windows shortcut it says the shortcut is not correct and won't accept it. Ive put the shortcut command within the inverted commas.  The USB drive is already mounted when I try to do this, and with the correct drive letter that Im using.

I can't figure out why it doesn't accept this.  Im using Windows Vista Home Edition.

So as a workaround to this problem how about if I install the whole Bitcoin client including the wallet.dat onto the mounted Truecrypt volume on the USB?

It would mean  I'd only mount the USB and start Bitcoin only when I wanted to use it. And the rest of the time it wouldnt be connected to my system.

Would this be OK? Or are there any potential problems with Bitcoin if you do this?

[noob_jul11]

I don't think it'll be a problem. I don't start my bitcoin client up everytime I boot up my computer (and yes, my bitcoin client is on a different computer than my miner). I only start my bitcoin client, maybe 2-3 times a week to get the latest blocks. You don't want to get too far behind because then, you'll have wait for a few hours before getting to the most recent blocks.

[metacontent]

(and yes, my bitcoin client is on a different computer than my miner)

I've heard this advice before, but so far no one has explained it. Why is it important to have your bitcoin client on a different computer than your miner?

[PiGames]

I Personally have both the application and dat file on an encrypted USB stick.
Just note you'll still have to have the datadir= argument as well.
I use a simple bat file to launch the app (from the stick) using the correct wallet file ( i have multiple).
Makes thing a bit easier.

[bitbadger]

I Personally have both the application and dat file on an encrypted USB stick.
Just note you'll still have to have the datadir= argument as well.
I use a simple bat file to launch the app (from the stick) using the correct wallet file ( i have multiple).
Makes thing a bit easier.

There must be some syntax error with my datadir arguement, as it should work as documented. Just havent been able to identify it!