Bitcoin Bootstrap.dat Disappearance: What’s Going On?
In November 2017, the Bitcoin community was stunned when the original bootstrap.dat file, created by Satoshi Nakamoto (the pseudonymous founder of Bitcoin), disappeared from bitcoin.org. The website was one of the earliest destinations for downloading and discussing Bitcoin-related software and documentation.
For those who may have forgotten, the bootstrap.dat file was a key piece of software that allowed new users to download and set up a complete Bitcoin client without having to manually install each component. It also includes various configuration files, such as the blockchain directory and wallet configuration files.
So what happened to this valuable resource? Unfortunately, it appears that bitcoin.org has abandoned or silenced its old source for the bootstrap.dat file. In a 2018 interview with CoinDesk, Anthony “123” Lapointe, a well-known Bitcoin developer, mentioned that he was unable to find the original bootstrap.dat file for several years after it disappeared.
Is there another source for downloading bootstrap.dat?
Although bitcoin.org no longer maintains the original bootstrap.dat file, you can still find alternative sources. Here are some options:
- Bitcointalk: The Bitcointalk community forum on Reddit has a dedicated thread for discussing old and outdated Bitcoin software. You can find links to various repositories that contain pre-built bootstrap.dat binaries.
- Bitcoin.org Archives
: Although bitcoin.org no longer maintains its own bootstrap.dat file, some older versions are still available in their archives. They may not be compatible with modern Bitcoin clients, but they could serve as a last resort.
- GitHub and other repositories: You can also search for pre-built bootstrap.dat binaries on GitHub and other open source software platforms. Be careful when using these sources, as some projects may require registration or have unclear licensing terms.
Conclusion
The loss of bitcoin.org’s bootstrap.dat file is a significant blow to the Bitcoin community, especially those who have relied on it as a primary source of information. While there are alternative sources available, users will need to be cautious when using these sources. If you are looking for a reliable way to download and configure a full Bitcoin client, consider visiting the Bitcointalk forum or exploring other open source alternatives.
Update
In 2020, Anthony “123” Lapointe published a new version of the bootstrap.dat file on his own website, which has been updated regularly since then. This version should be compatible with modern Bitcoin clients.
Leave a Reply