Reinstalling Windows today - Backing up wallet.dat

[mufa23]

Title says it all.

Just want to verify that the wallet.dat located in (Win7 x64)

Code:

C:\Users\Mufa\AppData\Roaming\Bitcoin

is the correct thing I want to back up. Anything else I should back up to make downloading the whole blockchain over again take less time? I thought I remember reading about backing up the blk0001.dat and blkindex.dat

(Sorry for the noob question, just seen many people make the mistake, and I want to be 100% sure before I do this)

[swissmate]

yes it's located there, also with the new bitcoin wallet you can just press the "make a backup" button and save it somewhere safe.
It's the only file you need.

[EuSouBitcoin]

As an alternative, you could just send all the BTC somewhere else (either another computer that you have that's running bitcoin or to one of your accounts at a Bitcoin exchange). Then reinstall Windows, drivers, applications and data. Install the latest bitcoin client, download the blockchain, then send the BTC back to your original computer. Mental note to self, it's still a good idea to have at least one backup and probably 2 or more.

[pekv2]

Also, I believe you want the Detach Database at Shutdown tick box ticked under the options if you want to use the wallet on a different system. If I am wrong, correct me.

[mufa23]

Alright, thanks guys.

[EuSouBitcoin]

Alright, thanks guys.

Did you decide to
1) backup
2) send the bitcoins somewhere else
3) both
?

[mufa23]

Alright, thanks guys.

Did you decide to
1) backup
2) send the bitcoins somewhere else
3) both
?

I had 4.11 BTC in my wallet. I moved 4 BTC to MtGox, then backed up the wallet and those other two files. I just finished installing Windows, and some other stuff. Just got around to Bitcoin, and put the wallet in there. Worked great! My 0.11 are right where I left them. However, those two extra files I backed up didn't work, so I deleted them and am letting the entire blockchain download. Not too annoying, should be done downloading later today. Got to keep all my old addresses and everything. Overall, I am satisfied.

[drrussellshane]

Also, I believe you want the Detach Database at Shutdown tick box ticked under the options if you want to use the wallet on a different system. If I am wrong, correct me.

I believe that only applies to the blockchain.

That is to say, you cannot use the blockchain on a different system, but the wallet is always detached, which means you can always move the wallet (after closing the client first, or after using the backup wallet feature).

[pekv2]

Also, I believe you want the Detach Database at Shutdown tick box ticked under the options if you want to use the wallet on a different system. If I am wrong, correct me.

I believe that only applies to the blockchain.

That is to say, you cannot use the blockchain on a different system, but the wallet is always detached, which means you can always move the wallet (after closing the client first, or after using the backup wallet feature).

Ahh, ok. My bad.

[mufa23]

Also, I believe you want the Detach Database at Shutdown tick box ticked under the options if you want to use the wallet on a different system. If I am wrong, correct me.

I believe that only applies to the blockchain.

That is to say, you cannot use the blockchain on a different system, but the wallet is always detached, which means you can always move the wallet (after closing the client first, or after using the backup wallet feature).

Ahh, ok. My bad.

That's what I should have done. 50,000 blocks from 360 days ago remaining...