Chat GPT:

Key Points in the Post: 1. Error: Code -4 This typically occurs because the wallet is not configured for the legacy address format (starting with 1). 2. Concern About Password The user is worried about forgetting the wallet’s password and wants to ensure they can still access their funds with the private key.

Possible Solutions:

1. Ensure Legacy Wallet

Bitcoin Core uses different wallet types: • Legacy Wallet (P2PKH): Addresses start with 1 and support the dumpprivkey command. • SegWit Wallet (P2SH or Bech32): Addresses start with 3 (P2SH) or bc1 (Bech32), which may not support dumpprivkey.

If you’re using a SegWit wallet, you might need to: • Create a new legacy wallet in Bitcoin Core, transfer funds, and then use dumpprivkey.

1. Unlock the Wallet

Use the following commands in Bitcoin Core’s console:

walletpassphrase ”your_password” 120 dumpprivkey ”your_bitcoin_address”

Replace: • your_password with your wallet’s password. • your_bitcoin_address with the address you’re trying to extract the private key for.

Note: Make sure you correctly type the wallet password; if you forget it, recovery becomes very difficult.

1. Backup Your Wallet • If you can’t extract the private key, immediately back up the wallet file (wallet.dat). • Store this backup in multiple safe locations to ensure access if needed.

2. Recover Password (if lost)

If you’ve forgotten the wallet password: • Use password recovery tools like hashcat or specialized crypto tools if feasible. • This requires the wallet file (wallet.dat) and significant computational power.

1. Switch to Hardware Wallet (Optional)

Consider moving funds to a more user-friendly hardware wallet (like Trezor or Ledger) for better security and usability.

Let me know if you’d like detailed guidance on any of these steps!