Hey All,
I have my wallet.dat saved from an older version of Bitcoin core client on Windows. I want to restore this wallet.dat to a newer and latest version of Bitcoin core client on Macbook.
What measures should I take to prevent any compatibility issues?
Bitcoin Core have ability to open wallet.dat file created by older version. IIRC wallet.dat file which created by Bitcoin Qt (previous name of Bitcoin Core) version 0.8 or newer can be opened by newest version (26.0). But just in case, make
backup of your wallet.dat file.
Below are the steps I have in mind. Kindly confirm the best way to do it
1. Download latest version of Bitcoin core client from here:
https://bitcoin.org/en/download2. Choose macOS dmg depending on the type of processor. Verify the MD5 or SHA256 hashes of the downloaded files to ensure file integrity. Maybe verify digital signatures as well
3. Install Bitcoin Core client on macOS. Any specific configuration options I need to enable at time of installation?
4. I want to make sure that an external hard disk is used as a data directory (where all the synced up blockchain data is stored). Should I specify this external hard disk name before or after installation of the client?
5. Once all the options are set, I open the client and let it sync with the network to download the latest blockchain, synced up to the latest block
6. I'm assuming a wallet.dat file is not created by default with the latest Bitcoin Core client. Do I need to do something to create a default one?
7. Once it is all synced up, I will close the client app and then place my wallet.dat in the data directory and re-open the client. That should allow me to access my wallet?
I don't own macOS, but
1. Are you willing to download and verify 550GB+ of blockchain data?
2. You better copy wallet.dat before sync, so Bitcoin Core automatically detect and show relevant TX on your wallet.dat file.
2. Be careful when using external storage. Sudden disconnect or unstable power may lead to data loss.