<p>Make sure to delete <strong>wallet.dat</strong> - that's the only file with sensitive information. (You might want to run a utility such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shred_%28Unix%29" rel="nofollow">unix shred</a> on it to make sure it's really deleted).</p>

<p><strong>Just a warning</strong> - before deleting, rename the file, and try to copy it from your backup and see if everything works.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-06-04T21:39:48.830Z
Thank you ! I will try this today. I should do the last part you said to test it out before i point the Bitcoin client to start from the new directory correct ?
NewBitcoiner
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-06-05T09:27:33.293Z
The test is simple - rename your wallet.dat, then copy it over from backup. The data directory itself is irrelevant all except the wallet.dat - if restoring that works, you're safe.
ripper234
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-06-04T17:51:45.283Z
2013-06-04T17:51:45.283Z
ripper234
<p>I am trying to complete the instructions described here <a href="https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Securing_your_wallet#Windows" rel="nofollow">https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Securing_your_wallet#Windows</a> . I have already done the Truecrypt part and installed the Bitcoin client. But i have one question i need help with before i can continue. Do i delete the Bitcoin folder &amp; data directory in Appdata after i copy it onto an encrypted drive ? Or does it need to remain there to function even though it would then also be in the encrypted drive if not deleted ?</p>

<wallet><security><backup><encryption>
Do i delete the Bitcoin folder & data directory in Appdata after i copy it on an encrypted drive?
NewBitcoiner
# Do i delete the Bitcoin folder & data directory in Appdata after i copy it on an encrypted drive?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-06-04)

I am trying to complete the instructions described here <https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Securing_your_wallet#Windows> . I have already done the Truecrypt part and installed the Bitcoin client. But i have one question i need help with before i can continue. Do i delete the Bitcoin folder & data directory in Appdata after i copy it onto an encrypted drive ? Or does it need to remain there to function even though it would then also be in the encrypted drive if not deleted ?

**Tags:** wallet, security, backup, encryption


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2013-06-04. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

Make sure to delete **wallet.dat** - that's the only file with sensitive information. (You might want to run a utility such as [unix shred](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shred_%28Unix%29) on it to make sure it's really deleted).

**Just a warning** - before deleting, rename the file, and try to copy it from your backup and see if everything works.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thank you ! I will try this today. I should do the last part you said to test it out before i point the Bitcoin client to start from the new directory correct ?  
> **username_1**: The test is simple - rename your wallet.dat, then copy it over from backup. The data directory itself is irrelevant all except the wallet.dat - if restoring that works, you're safe.  

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