Re: bitcoin core wallet backup and wallet.dat file question. how to confirm?
so if i want to from scratch i get a separate laptop, load btc core on there from a flashdrive (no internet) and then restore the wallet to that new instance of btc core? if the wallet name shows up in btc core, there the backup worked? is that correct?
No, not the wallet name it should be the address on that backup wallet.
So you need to check the addresses under window>receiving addresses new tab will pop up with the list of Bitcoin address.
Sample this one
Under that tab you can see the address on the right side it should be the same after you import the backup file to another laptop.