reddcoin_windows_guide - reddcoin-project/reddcoin GitHub Wiki

Reddcoin Core 4.22.9 - Windows Installation Guide

1. Overview and Prerequisites

What is Reddcoin Core?

Reddcoin Core is the official full-node wallet software for the Reddcoin network. It enables users to store, send, and receive Reddcoins (RDD) while also participating in the network's Proof-of-Stake-Velocity (PoSV) consensus mechanism to earn staking rewards of up to 5-25% annually. The software maintains a complete copy of the Reddcoin blockchain and helps secure the network.

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

  • Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11 (64-bit recommended)
  • Processor: Intel Pentium 4 2.0GHz or AMD equivalent
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB recommended
  • Storage: 5 GB free disk space (pruned mode) or 50+ GB for full blockchain
  • Network: Broadband internet connection with upload speeds of at least 400 Kbps
  • Additional: Administrator privileges for installation

Recommended Requirements:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
  • Processor: Multi-core processor 2.5GHz or faster
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM or more
  • Storage: 100 GB free disk space on SSD
  • Network: Unlimited or high-cap internet connection (200+ GB/month upload)

Required Permissions

  • Administrator access for initial installation
  • Windows Defender/Antivirus exclusions may be needed
  • Firewall configuration for port 45444 (optional but recommended)

Prerequisites

  • Windows is up to date with latest security patches
  • Reliable internet connection
  • Sufficient disk space for blockchain synchronization

2. Pre-Installation Steps

Backup Recommendations

⚠️ Critical: If upgrading from a previous version, backup your wallet first!

  1. Locate your existing wallet.dat file:

    C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Reddcoin\wallet.dat

  2. Create a backup copy:

    • Copy wallet.dat to a secure location (USB drive, encrypted cloud storage)
    • Also backup the entire Reddcoin folder for complete settings preservation

System Preparation

  1. Disable antivirus temporarily (re-enable after installation)
  2. Close all cryptocurrency-related applications
  3. Ensure Windows Defender SmartScreen is configured appropriately
  4. Create a system restore point (Control Panel > System > System Protection)

Download Instructions

Official Download Source: https://download.reddcoin.com/bin/reddcoin-core-4.22.9/

Available Windows Files:

  • reddcoin-4.22.9-win64-setup-signed.exe (Recommended - Signed installer)
  • reddcoin-4.22.9-win64-setup-unsigned.exe (Unsigned installer)
  • reddcoin-4.22.9-win64.zip (Portable version)

Download Steps:

  1. Visit the official download URL
  2. Download reddcoin-4.22.9-win64-setup-signed.exe (≈20.6 MB)
  3. Also download SHA256SUMS file for verification

Verification Steps

Verify File Integrity:

  1. Download and install 7-Zip or use PowerShell for checksum verification
  2. Using PowerShell: 
    Get-FileHash -Path "reddcoin-4.22.9-win64-setup-signed.exe" -Algorithm SHA256
  3. Compare the hash with the value in the SHA256SUMS file
  4. Verify the hashes match before proceeding with installation

Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes for download and verification

3. Installation Instructions

Method 1: Signed Installer (Recommended)

Step 1: Run the Installer

  1. Right-click on reddcoin-4.22.9-win64-setup-signed.exe
  2. Select "Run as administrator"
  3. If Windows Defender SmartScreen appears:
    • Click "More info"
    • Click "Run anyway" (only if you verified the download)

Step 2: Installation Wizard

  1. Welcome Screen: Click "Next"
  2. License Agreement: Read and accept the MIT license, click "Next"
  3. Choose Install Location:
    • Default: C:\Program Files\Reddcoin
    • Custom: Click "Browse" to change location
    • Click "Next"
  4. Select Components:
    • ✅ Reddcoin Core (required)
    • ✅ Desktop shortcut (recommended)
    • ✅ Start Menu entries (recommended)
    • Click "Next"
  5. Ready to Install: Click "Install"

Step 3: Complete Installation

  1. Installation Progress: Wait for files to copy (2-3 minutes)
  2. Completion:
    • ✅ "Launch Reddcoin Core" (recommended for first run)
    • Click "Finish"

Method 2: Portable Version

Step 1: Extract Files

  1. Right-click reddcoin-4.22.9-win64.zip
  2. Select "Extract All"
  3. Choose destination folder (e.g., C:\ReddcoinPortable)
  4. Click "Extract"

Step 2: Create Desktop Shortcut (Optional)

  1. Navigate to extracted folder
  2. Right-click on reddcoin-qt.exe
  3. Select "Create shortcut"
  4. Move shortcut to Desktop

Installation Paths and Registry

Default Installation Paths:

  • Program Files: C:\Program Files\Reddcoin\
  • Data Directory: C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Reddcoin\
  • Configuration File: C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Reddcoin\reddcoin.conf

Registry Entries:

  • Installation info: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Reddcoin Core
  • File associations: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\reddcoin\

Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes for complete installation

4. Configuration

Initial Setup

Step 1: First Launch

  1. Launch Reddcoin Core from Desktop shortcut or Start Menu
  2. Data Directory Prompt: Accept default location or choose custom path
  3. Initial Blockchain Sync: This will begin automatically

Step 2: Basic Configuration

Create reddcoin.conf file:

  1. Navigate to: C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Reddcoin\
  2. Create new file: reddcoin.conf (use Notepad)
  3. Add basic configuration: 
    # Basic Reddcoin Configuration
server=1
daemon=0
listen=1
maxconnections=125

# Staking Configuration
staking=1
reservebalance=0

# Network Settings
port=45444
rpcport=45443

# Optional: Reduce bandwidth usage
# maxuploadtarget=5000

Step 3: Wallet Security

  1. Encrypt your wallet:

    • Go to Settings > Encrypt Wallet
    • Choose a strong passphrase (minimum 10 characters)
    • Write down and store securely
    • Restart the application when prompted

  2. Backup encrypted wallet:

    • Go to File > Backup Wallet
    • Save to secure location with date stamp

Environment Variables (Optional)

Set Data Directory (if using custom location):

  1. Right-click "This PC" > Properties
  2. Advanced System Settings > Environment Variables
  3. New System Variable:
    • Variable name: REDDCOIN_DATADIR
    • Variable value: C:\Your\Custom\Path

Network and Firewall Configuration

Windows Firewall:

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall
  2. Allow an app through firewall
  3. Add Reddcoin Core:
    • Click "Allow another app..."
    • Browse to C:\Program Files\Reddcoin\reddcoin-qt.exe
    • Check both "Private" and "Public" networks
    • Click "OK"

Port Forwarding (Optional for better connectivity):

  • Router Configuration: Forward port 45444 to your computer's IP
  • UPnP: Enable in Reddcoin Core settings for automatic port forwarding

Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes for initial configuration

5. Verification and Testing

Verify Successful Installation

Step 1: Application Launch

  1. Launch Reddcoin Core
  2. Check version: Help > About Reddcoin Core
  3. Verify version shows: 4.22.9

Step 2: Network Connection

  1. Status Bar: Bottom right should show connection count
  2. Target: 8+ connections (may take a few minutes)
  3. Network Info: Help > Debug Window > Information tab

Step 3: Blockchain Synchronization

  1. Progress Bar: Shows sync percentage
  2. Block Count: Compare with latest block on blockchain explorer
  3. Estimated Time: 2-24 hours depending on hardware and connection

Basic Functionality Tests

Test 1: Wallet Creation

  1. Create New Address:
    • Go to Receive tab
    • Click "Create new receiving address"
    • Verify address is generated

Test 2: Configuration File Loading

  1. Check Debug Window:
    • Help > Debug Window > Information
    • Verify configuration parameters are loaded

Test 3: Staking Status (after sync completion)

  1. Check Staking Status:
    • Look for staking icon in bottom right
    • Verify "Staking: Active" in status bar

Log File Locations

Primary Log File:

C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Reddcoin\debug.log

Common Log Entries to Monitor:

  • Connection status: addcon entries
  • Staking activity: Stake entries
  • Errors: ERROR level messages

View Logs in Application:

  • Help > Debug Window > Information
  • Help > Debug Window > Console (for real-time monitoring)

Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes for verification tests

6. Troubleshooting

Common Installation Issues

Issue 1: "Windows protected your PC" SmartScreen warning

  • Solution: Click "More info" then "Run anyway"
  • Prevention: Always verify file checksums before installation

Issue 2: Antivirus blocking installation

  • Solution: Temporarily disable antivirus, install, then re-enable
  • Add exception: Add Reddcoin installation folder to antivirus exclusions

Issue 3: Insufficient disk space during blockchain sync

  • Solution:
    • Enable pruning: Add prune=5000 to reddcoin.conf
    • Move data directory to drive with more space

Issue 4: Cannot connect to network

  • Solution:
    • Check firewall settings
    • Verify internet connection
    • Try adding nodes manually in reddcoin.conf: 
      addnode=seed1.reddcoin.com
addnode=seed2.reddcoin.com

Error Messages and Solutions

"Error loading wallet.dat"

  • Cause: Corrupted wallet file
  • Solution: Restore from backup, run with -salvagewallet flag

"Unable to bind to port 45444"

  • Cause: Port already in use or firewall blocking
  • Solution: Check for other Reddcoin instances, configure firewall

"Insufficient funds" when staking

  • Cause: Wallet locked, insufficient mature coins
  • Solution: Unlock wallet for staking, wait for coin maturity (8 hours)

"Database corrupted"

  • Cause: Improper shutdown, disk issues
  • Solution: Run with -reindex flag or restore from backup

Getting Additional Help

Official Resources:

Community Support:

  • Reddit: r/reddcoin
  • Discord: Official Reddcoin Discord server
  • Telegram: @reddcoin_official

Professional Support:

  • Technical Issues: Create issue on GitHub repository
  • Wallet Recovery: Contact community developers (never share private keys)

7. Uninstallation

Complete Removal Instructions

Step 1: Backup Important Data ⚠️ Critical: Backup wallet.dat and any custom configurations before uninstalling!

  1. Backup wallet.dat: 
    C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Reddcoin\wallet.dat
  2. Backup configuration: 
    C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Reddcoin\reddcoin.conf

Step 2: Uninstall Application

Method 1: Windows Settings

  1. Windows 10/11: Settings > Apps > Apps & features
  2. Search for "Reddcoin"
  3. Click "Uninstall"
  4. Follow removal wizard

Method 2: Control Panel

  1. Control Panel > Programs and Features
  2. Find "Reddcoin Core"
  3. Right-click > Uninstall
  4. Follow removal wizard

Method 3: Original Installer

  1. Re-run the original installer
  2. Select "Remove" option
  3. Complete uninstallation

Cleanup of Configuration Files and Data

Step 3: Remove Data Directory (Optional) ⚠️ Warning: Only do this if you've backed up your wallet!

  1. Navigate to: 
    C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\
  2. Delete "Reddcoin" folder completely

Step 4: Registry Cleanup (Optional)

  1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe)
  2. Navigate to and delete: 
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Reddcoin Core
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\reddcoin
  3. Search for additional "reddcoin" entries and remove

Step 5: Remove Environment Variables (If configured)

  1. System Properties > Environment Variables
  2. Remove any Reddcoin-related variables

Step 6: Firewall Rules Cleanup

  1. Windows Defender Firewall
  2. Remove Reddcoin Core rules from allowed apps

Final Verification

  1. Check Programs and Features - Reddcoin should not appear
  2. Check Start Menu - No Reddcoin shortcuts
  3. Check Desktop - Remove any remaining shortcuts
  4. Verify data directory removed (if chosen)

Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes for complete removal

Summary

This guide covered the complete installation process for Reddcoin Core 4.22.9 on Windows systems. Key points to remember:

  • Always backup your wallet before making changes
  • Verify downloads using SHA256 checksums
  • Configure firewall properly for optimal network connectivity
  • Monitor blockchain sync progress and ensure sufficient disk space
  • Enable staking to earn rewards while securing the network

The initial blockchain synchronization may take several hours to complete. Once synchronized, your Reddcoin Core wallet will be ready for sending, receiving, and staking Reddcoins.

For additional support, consult the official Reddcoin community resources and documentation.