<p>You can just copy your <code>wallet.dat</code> from your local wallet directory. If using windows it will be in <code>%appdata%/Bitcoin</code>. After reformatting download a fresh copy of Bitcoin Core and replace the wallet.dat with the one you saved prior to reformatting. </p>

<p>There's also the method of using the <code>backupwallet</code> and <code>importwallet</code> commands. <a href="https://bitcoin.org/en/developer-reference#backupwallet" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://bitcoin.org/en/developer-reference#backupwallet</a></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-11-14T05:52:55.827Z
2016-11-14T05:52:55.827Z
m1xolyd1an
<p>I plan on reformatting my main drive. I did this once before and of course lost access to my Bitcoin Core wallet and the Bitcoins therein.</p>

<p>Does anybody know how I can go about transferring my Bitcoins before or after I reformat my drive?</p>

<p>Can I just copy and paste the Bitcoin Core folder to my second drive before formatting, and then transfer it back afterwards?</p>

<backup><installation>
Move BC before/after reformatting
oldboy
# Move BC before/after reformatting

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-11-14)

I plan on reformatting my main drive. I did this once before and of course lost access to my Bitcoin Core wallet and the Bitcoins therein.

Does anybody know how I can go about transferring my Bitcoins before or after I reformat my drive?

Can I just copy and paste the Bitcoin Core folder to my second drive before formatting, and then transfer it back afterwards?

**Tags:** backup, installation


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-11-14. Score: 1 | Accepted answer

You can just copy your `wallet.dat` from your local wallet directory. If using windows it will be in `%appdata%/Bitcoin`. After reformatting download a fresh copy of Bitcoin Core and replace the wallet.dat with the one you saved prior to reformatting.

There's also the method of using the `backupwallet` and `importwallet` commands. <https://bitcoin.org/en/developer-reference#backupwallet>


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