To backup wallet safely will I encrypt and then "Backup Wallet", and if wallet.der is stolen they will need my password to unlock to send funds?
And to load backup use "Load Wallet" choose wallet.der and then unencrypt with my password?
Sorry to ask such a simple question, want to make sure my coins are safe in the event of the file being stolen or my hard drive being destroyed
If you encrypt your wallet ("send" tab), then you private key if encrypted within the file, and you (or someone having access to the wallet file) will only be able to check the balance.
The password will be needed to send any transaction.