Private key extraction

[Vernon715]

How do I extract private keys from the standard bitcoin client?

I am running windows 7.

Also, what clients allow for you to enter private keys?

[kokjo]

I am running windows 7.

0. get a real computer(linux)
1. download https://github.com/gavinandresen/bitcointools
2. ./dbdump.py --wallet

[flatfly]

No need for Linux to do that. To extract your private keys,  Pywallet works just fine on windows. You need to install python 2.7 first. Let me know if you need help with the process.

As for clients that support importing of external keys, for windows, check out Electrum and MultiBit, both are real good.  To compare their features, you can use my chart, which is up-to-date: http://dre.tx0.org/compare.htm (There's Armory too, but it's still in alpha for now)

[Vernon715]

No need for Linux to do that. To extract your private keys,  Pywallet works just fine on windows. You need to install python 2.7 first. Let me know if you need help with the process.

As for clients that support importing of external keys, for windows, check out Electrum and MultiBit, both are real good.  To compare their features, you can use my chart, which is up-to-date: http://dre.tx0.org/compare.htm (There's Armory too, but it's still in alpha for now)

I have python 3.2. Will that still work?

Thanks!

EDIT: The chart is VERY useful...Thanks again.

[Raoul Duke]

Code:

 $ ./bitcoind dumpprivkey [bitcoin address]

[Vernon715]

Code:

 $ ./bitcoind dumpprivkey [bitcoin address]

I am assuming that is what I put into python shell, and, when I did that, I was told that it was invalid syntax, due to the dollar sign.

What did I do wrong?

Thanks!

[Raoul Duke]

Code:

 $ ./bitcoind dumpprivkey [bitcoin address]

I am assuming that is what I put into python shell, and, when I did that, I was told that it was invalid syntax, due to the dollar sign.

What did I do wrong?

Thanks!

No. That's what you put into your normal command line if you're runing linux.
If you're on windows you'll need to use the complete path the the bitcoind binary.

The dollar sign just tells you the command is to be used with a normal user account(not root). lol

Resuming: You just need bitcoin to be run as a server to dump your private keys. Forget pywallet. Don't over complicate your life.

[cantor]

Code:

 $ ./bitcoind dumpprivkey [bitcoin address]

I am assuming that is what I put into python shell, and, when I did that, I was told that it was invalid syntax, due to the dollar sign.

What did I do wrong?

Thanks!

What it means is open a console terminal and type in that command.  Since you're on Windows, you'll probably have to go to the directory with the bitcoind executable, and run: bitcoind dumpprivkey [bitcoin address]

[Vernon715]

No. That's what you put into your normal command line if you're runing linux.
If you're on windows you'll need to use the complete path the the bitcoind binary.

The dollar sign just tells you the command is to be used with a normal user account(not root). lol

Resuming: You just need bitcoin to be run as a server to dump your private keys. Forget pywallet. Don't over complicate your life.

Can you give me a bit more explanation? My technical skills are limited, and I am not sure how to run bitcoin as a server.

Thanks,

Vernon715

[Raoul Duke]

Click the Bitcoin shortcut with the right button of the mouse and select Properties.
On the path entry of the properties window write -server at the end and save
Start bitcoin using that shortcut and it's running as a server

next: open your command prompt.
write:
cd "C:\Program Files\Bitcoin\daemon"

Now that your on the bitcoin directory write:
bitcoind dumpprivkey [bitcoin address]
and press enter. don't forget to replace [bitcoin address] with the address you wish to get the private key from

If you don't get it and have Teamviewer I can help you. Send me a PM with your teamviewer ID and PIN.

[someguy123]

cd "C:\Program Files\Bitcoin\"

Slightly wrong, you need to

Code:

cd "C:\Program Files\Bitcoin\daemon"

and if you're on 64-bit

Code:

cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Bitcoin\daemon"

[Raoul Duke]

eh, I use linux. Sorry about the wrong path

[Vernon715]

Thanks!