Re: Can a factory reset computer be used for cold storage?
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1. Disconnect the laptop from internet.
2. Run Bitcoin-QT or some program to generate your address.
3. Send the wallet to an USB.
4. Remove the USB.
5. Ctrl+Shift+Del your wallet details from the laptop. If possible, format it once.
6. Connect your laptop to the internet and send bitcoin to your address, whose details are in USB.
7. Just keep the USB detouched from all internet connections... and you are safe
1. Disconnect the laptop from internet.
2. Run Bitcoin-QT or some program to generate your address.
3. Send the wallet to an USB.
4. Remove the USB.
5. Ctrl+Shift+Del your wallet details from the laptop. If possible, format it once.
6. Connect your laptop to the internet and send bitcoin to your address, whose details are in USB.
7. Just keep the USB detouched from all internet connections... and you are safe
By the way, is this 100% safe?
Nope, an advanced trojan could be transmitted to the offline system via USB, snatch your private keys and call home when possible (e.g. using your online machine to broadcast the signed TX). So this might be compromised the moment you try to spend the bitcoins (e.g. connect the USB stick to an online machine). You also have a single point of failure (the USB stick) if it breaks your coins are gone.
On the other hand: nothing is 100% safe.
Thats extremely far fetched. What are the chances?
A laptop with wifi turned off (dont even need to remove the actual card for fuck sakes) will be safe unless you are someone like fucking Asagne or something.