Bitcoin Forum

Hello,
I searched for a guide online to change my watching only wallet into a normal wallet to be able to use my bitcoins but could't find any, therefore I hope someone here can help me.

Situation:
- Several years ago I installed Electrum (version 1.9.5) and bought bitcoins.
- Next I changed the electrum wallet into watching only and never looked back, the same version of electrum is still on my PC.
- I did write down a phrase of 12 words that I still have.

Now I want to spend the bitcoins, but I unfortunately forgot all about how electrum works.

Can someone please help me with the best steps to take to change my wallet back to normal?
I can use the same PC (W7) or my newer notebook, whatever is recommended.

Thank you.

In Electrum, you just need to create a new "standard" wallet and use your 12 words.

1. Goto "File -> New\Restore"
2. Input a wallet name (different from your original watching only wallet name)
3. Select "Standard Wallet"
4. Select "I already have a seed"
5. Enter your 12 words
6. Be happy :)

NOTE: You probably want to go and download the latest version of Electrum (https://electrum.org/#download)... it is up to 2.9.3, has a TON of bug fixes... and I believe older versions may have trouble connecting to servers and syncing properly.

HCP gave you some good steps to get it done.  However I would like to add and caution you about using Electrum online in "full wallet mode".  Its been a long time since you have used your wallet according to your words.  Hackers and malware have come a long way from "back in the day".  Frankly, they are good now and would love to take your coins.  In the proper hands you can actually operate a fully capable wallet online, but it ALWAYS comes with a risk that I would never be willing to take.  You may want to spend some time reading about using a cold wallet approach, OR get a hardware wallet and just end the risk of malware out of the gate.  Its your call but I felt it important to give you a heads up.

Thank you for your help!

@HCP: I will install a new version of electrum on my new Macbook and follow your steps.

@coin-keeper: Thanks for the warning. I was planning to move my coins to an online wallet like blockchain, but will investigate hardware wallets.

Moving your coins from a 12 word seed phrase written on paper to an online wallet doesn't make it safer, unless you fear your paper get stolen or burned.