Logs Posted. Can't get Armory to use Blockchain on External Hard Drive...Either!

[DeePDish2912]

Hello All,

I say "Either" because I see many related posts and I have exhausted most of those recommendations, to the best of my ability, to no avail.  My problem seems to be very similar to the thread posted by DrakonX - "Armory states not to be online and does nothing to change this"

I too have attempted to point Armory to the external hd (where Core is fully synced) using the GUI, (Bitcoin Home Dir: L:\Bitcoin) but I'm currently leaving the Bitcoin Install Dir blank.  I've seen HCP recommend to point that to the external hd as well, but that doesn't work for me and I suspect it's because I don't meet the requirement in his next statement:

"Bitcoin Install Dir" = Path to where your Bitcoin Core "Portable" dir is... (NOTE: Armory is expecting bitcoind.exe to be in a subfolder named "daemon")"

I am no developer, and have probably screwed something up trying to fix this, so I've posted my log file here:  https://pastebin.com/qz20wuqm  and would greatly appreciate any help. 

Thank you, in advance!

[HCP]

Your log file is showing something a bit odd...

2018-11-18 10:43:39 (INFO) -- ArmoryQt.py:1881 - Setting satoshi datadir = L:\Bitcoin
2018-11-18 10:43:39 (INFO) -- SDM.pyc:169 - Found bitcoind in the following places:
2018-11-18 10:43:39 (INFO) -- SDM.pyc:171 -    C:\Program Files\Bitcoin\daemon\bitcoind.exe
2018-11-18 10:43:39 (INFO) -- SDM.pyc:173 - Using: C:\Program Files\Bitcoin\daemon\bitcoind.exe
2018-11-18 10:43:39 (INFO) -- SDM.pyc:337 - Called startBitcoind
2018-11-18 10:43:39 (INFO) -- ArmoryUtils.pyc:667 - Executing popen: ['C:\\Program Files\\Bitcoin\\daemon\\bitcoind.exe', u'-datadir=L:\\Bitcoin']
2018-11-18 10:43:39 (INFO) -- SDM.pyc:450 - PID of bitcoind: 13440
2018-11-18 10:43:39 (INFO) -- SDM.pyc:451 - PID of armory:   14428
2018-11-18 10:43:39 (INFO) -- ArmoryUtils.pyc:667 - Executing popen: ['.\\guardian.exe', '14428', '13440']
2018-11-18 10:43:39 (INFO) -- ArmoryQt.py:1913 - Setting netmode: 1
2018-11-18 10:43:39 (ERROR) -- BDM.pyc:200 - DB error: C:\Users\TechStar Server\AppData\Roaming/Bitcoin/blocks is not a valid path

It seems to know that your Bitcoin datadir is L:\Bitcoin... and it even uses that to pass to the bitcoind process... but then it goes looking in the windows Bitcoin Core default path "C:\Users\TechStar Server\AppData\Roaming/Bitcoin/" for the block files...

Given your setup (looks like you ran the Bitcoin Core installer)... you might be better off launching Bitcoin Core yourself manually and checking that it is configured to be using L:\Bitcoin (Help -> Debug Window -> Information -> "Datadir" value).

Then try leaving the Armory GUI options "off" (untick the "let Armory run Bitcoin in the background") and use a armoryqt.conf file to specify that the Bitcoin datadir is in L:\Bitcoin

Code: (armoryqt.conf)

satoshi-datadir="L:\Bitcoin"

[DeePDish2912]

Thanks, HCP.  When I run Bitcoin core manually, the Debug Window does indicate L:\Bitcoin as the Datadir value. 

But can you explain how I follow this step: "and use a armoryqt.conf file to specify that the Bitcoin datadir is in L:\Bitcoin"   Code: (armoryqt.conf) - satoshi-datadir="L:\Bitcoin"

This is where I've been unable to follow your directions for DrakonX, as well as others posting on this topic here and elsewhere.

[DeePDish2912]

So, using Notepad, I created a one line text file file called ArmoryQt.conf with satoshi-datadir="L:\Bitcoin" and placed it here: C:\Program Files (x86)\Armory

Is that what you were suggesting?  It appears to still be searching the default path.  New log: https://pastebin.com/L2BkF37V

[HCP]

EDIT: Ok, I just noticed that the version of Armory you are using is quite old... 0.96.1... you should upgrade to 0.96.4 from here: https://btcarmory.com/

That might solve a few of your issues... also, make sure you're running the latest Bitcoin Core: https://bitcoincore.org/en/download/

So, using Notepad, I created a one line text file file called ArmoryQt.conf with satoshi-datadir="L:\Bitcoin" and placed it here: C:\Program Files (x86)\Armory
Is that what you were suggesting?  It appears to still be searching the default path.  New log: https://pastebin.com/L2BkF37V

No... you need to put the .conf file in the Armory datadir... by default, on Windows, this will be: C:\Users\*username*\AppData\Roaming\Armory

If you cannot see the "AppData" directory, it'll be because you have "System" folders hidden... Two solutions:

Solution 1: (Temporary)
- Press the "windows" key or click the "start" button
- Type: %appdata%
- Press enter

Solution 2: (Permanent)
- Set these folders to be visible by following instructions here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/14201/windows-show-hidden-files

This is where I've been unable to follow your directions for DrakonX, as well as others posting on this topic here and elsewhere.

Note that the directions for DrakonX were somewhat specific to their particular setup as they are doing a lot of "non-standard" things... custom Bitcoin location, non-"installed" (aka "Portable") Bitcoin Core etc.

Also, the Armory docs regarding pathing are here: https://btcarmory.com/docs/pathing

[DeePDish2912]

Thanks, HCP!  That appears to have corrected my immediate problem and I'm now showing a balance.  Not sure if it was the upgrading, the config file, or both.  Here is a current log file:

https://pastebin.com/dG4aWgAU


But my saga continues!  This is a watch-only wallet and the offline wallet is on a laptop that won't fire up (power issue, I think).  So I've attempted to use my paper backup to restore the wallet on a working laptop, but I find it very confusing to say the least, and I fear that my dumb ass may have only backed up the watch-only wallet???  This attempt at restoring was done several days ago before you started helping me, but the laptop does now have Vers 0.96.4

The paper backup has the following info: 

Wallet Name:          Primary Wallet
Wallet Unique ID:    2cP2BUXi7
Wallet Version:        1.35

Root Key and a Chain Code.

This backup was created years ago, it's the only one I have, and I'm pretty sure this is the only Armory Wallet I've ever created.

When attempting to restore the wallet on the laptop, I selected the Version 1.35 and entered both the Root Key and Chain Code and it restored the watch-only wallet.  While trying to troubleshoot on my own, I discovered that if I select Version 1.35c and enter only the Root Key, it restores a wallet with a different ID, 71t5... which I do recognize from years ago when I set this all up, remember thinking it was odd that I had two different ID's.  Am I just missing something here or did I fail to backup the offline wallet years ago???  As it is right now, this wallet with ID71t5... will not sign transactions from the watch-only wallet.  I'm pretty sure the files are ok on the old laptop, but I'm hoping to avoid going down the road of repairing/restoring it right now.

Thank you, again.

[goatpig]

You have to use the restore version that is indicated on your wallet. If it says 1.35, that's the only restore version you can use.

[DeePDish2912]

Thanks, goatpig.  So maybe I'm missing something when restoring???  Because when I restore using version 1.35 and both root and chain, I get a watch only wallet ID 2cP2BUXi7.  Yet, in the latest version of Armory, I don't even see the option to "Backup This Wallet" on this watching only version.

However, when I look at the restored wallet ID 71t5T98T on my laptop, "Backup This Wallet" is available, and when I use it, I get the same Root Key that is on my paper wallet, and no chain code.

And I just noticed that the wallet properties of 71t5T98T say that it is version 1.35, not 1.35c???

Should a watching only wallet have a different wallet ID from the off line signing wallet as mine seem to?  Now that I have 0.96.4, should I just delete the wallets and try again using both root key and chain code and version 1.35?  I believe I set these up back on version 0.88.1.  Was Armory handling these differently then?  Very confusing.

[goatpig]

Are you using SecurePrint?

[DeePDish2912]

I don't think so?  Never even heard of it until I saw it as a back-up option in 0.96.4  And I see nothing that indicates it on my paper backup.

[goatpig]

Sounds like you mixed and matched the restore types. From the looks of it, you mistakenly restored your wallet as a 1.35c on your laptop. This is probably what is confusing you atm.

The most important question at the moment is which wallet shows your coins?

[DeePDish2912]

First, I think I restored it as a 1.35 version using root and chain and got the 2cP2BUXi7 watch-only.  But you could be correct.

Then I panicked and restored it as a 1.35c version using root only and got the 71t5T98T encrypted.  Which again, is an ID I recognize from years ago.

Answer to the important question, the watch-only 2cP2BUXi7 shows the balance.  It is the ID listed on my paper backup with root key and chain code.

Can I delete both wallets and try again? 

Thanks again, goatpig, I really appreciate both you and HCP helping.

[goatpig]

Do not delete anything. Does 71t5T98T show balance? What are you trying to do by restoring 2cP2BUXi7? Get something else than a watching only wallet?

[DeePDish2912]

71t5T98T does not show a balance.  But it is on the off line laptop.

Not really trying to restore 2cP2BUXi7.  It is on my desktop, watch-only, and showing a balance.  I'm trying to move those funds to a different wallet, but cannot sign transactions on the off line laptop.

It is my understanding that 71t5T98T signs transactions for 2cP2BUXi7.  That is how I've always moved coin in the past.  But the laptop I used is down and I can't confirm the offline wallet ID.  However, I do recognize 71t5T98T, and it appears to have the same root key as 2cP2BUXi7.  However, it will not sign transactions on the new, working laptop with the restored wallet.

[goatpig]

71t5T98T cannot sign for 2cP2BUXi7. Restore 2cP2BUXi7 on your laptop.

[DeePDish2912]

Wow, that did it.  Thank you!

Not sure where that 71t5T98T wallet came from or why I recognize it and why it has the same root key.

This time, when I restored 2cP2BUXi7, I left the "encrypt" box checked.  Pretty sure I didn't last time.  Therefore, when it restored, it's security was "Encrypted" rather than "watch-only" like previously and it signed a transaction.

One last stupid question because I don't remember this being the same, and after all of the headaches and panicking, I'm now being overly cautious.

I'm only trying to move 0.0005 btc as a test, but this is how the tx is being described in the broadcast window:



This transaction will spend x.098955 BTC from the wallet "Primary Wallet (Watch)" (2cP2BUXi7) to the following recipients:

Table shows:

Correct receiving address                                              0.0005
Wallet:  "Primary Wallet (Watch)"  (3Btalvivm...)     x.0979
Transaction fee:                                                           0.000555

Total leaving wallet:                                                   x.098955

Where x is NOT 0.

So "Total leaving wallet" is unsettling to say the least, but I suspect this is just a change address and it's really the total leaving the address where this bitcoin is.  Correct?  That 3Btalvivm... address is unsettling too, because I can't see all of it!   It's also concerning because I have more than x btc in the wallet, but I guess they are associated with other addresses?

I guess just a thumbs up confirmation is all I'm looking for unless you say I'm about to send x btc into irretrievable oblivion.

If I don't hear back today, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[goatpig]

Not sure where that 71t5T98T wallet came from or why I recognize it and why it has the same root key.

With 1.35, the chaincode is not related to the root key. This is why it is added to the backup string. With 1.35c, the chaincode is a HMAC of the root key, therefor only the root key is necessary. The Wallet ID is derived from the first key pair, which is computed from the root key and the chaincode. Different chaincode, different ID, different address chain.

So "Total leaving wallet" is unsettling to say the least, but I suspect this is just a change address and it's really the total leaving the address where this bitcoin is.  Correct?  That 3Btalvivm... address is unsettling too, because I can't see all of it!   It's also concerning because I have more than x btc in the wallet, but I guess they are associated with other addresses?

In Bitcoin, you spend whole coins, which is why there is a change mechanism to begin with. This dialog is telling how much in coins are being used in this transaction. From your perspective, it doesn't mean you're spending that much (since you're receiving coins back in the change output), what it means is that this much value is tied up in this transaction.

Think about it terms of cash. If you're buying a $1 candy bar with a $10 bill, $10 is leaving your wallet. Your $10 is tied up in the transaction to buy the candy bar. Once the transaction is over, you're getting $9 back in change.

If I don't hear back today, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Time to find a turkey sammish hmm