1. Download latest Ubuntu ISO using a Linux laptop I have rarely used. Check SHA256 on the ISO.
2. Disconnect all drives from my usual PC (Ryzen 3).
3. Use the ISO to install Ubuntu on a SSD on the PC
4. Install current version of Bitcoin Core using Ubuntu’s own software installation tool.
5. Wait for Bitcoin Core to sync to the blockchain.
I'd add a step: 5.1. GO OFFLINE. Unplug your internet, there's no need to turn it into a hot wallet.
6. Import the old wallet.dat, rescan and hope for riches!?
You may run into some compatibility issues with such an old wallet, but since you have enough backups, you'll see when it happens.
I
f the old wallet contains anything of value, what should I do next? I gather a cold wallet like Ledger would be sensible, including carefully stored handwritten keyword backups.
Ideally, sign offline and broadcast your transaction from another system after throughly checking everything. But don't order a jet yet, wait for your riches first
