Trying to install Electrum on new computer

[pinkpajama99]

Got a new computer and due to technical reasons I have to reinstall bitcoin vs. just transferring it.  When I go to install it brings up a new wallet for me to start.   When I put in the name of my old wallet it doesn't recognize it.   

Is there a way to install electrum and use my seed to just go to my old wallet (I don't get the option with the new install from the electrum website.  Just make a new wallet.  I can do that and move my money but It'd be nice to just get my old wallet set up here. 

Help please.  Thanks.

[Rath_]

Got a new computer and due to technical reasons I have to reinstall bitcoin vs. just transferring it.  When I go to install it brings up a new wallet for me to start.   When I put in the name of my old wallet it doesn't recognize it.  

You need to copy your wallet from your old computer to a new one. If you are running Windows, press WIN + R, type in "%appdata%", go to "Electrum/wallets" folder and copy your wallet file. Paste it into the same directory on your new computer.

Is there a way to install electrum and use my seed to just go to my old wallet (I don't get the option with the new install from the electrum website.  Just make a new wallet

Select "Standard wallet" and then "I already have a seed".

[Ziskinberg]

I have not created a new electrum wallet for awhile.

but make sure you have your private key, that's all you need.
Just follow the simple steps or search tutorial videos on youtube so you'll be able to install it easily.



edit : I think Rath_ has a better idea, mine could be like the same as what you did.

[pinkpajama99]

Got a new computer and due to technical reasons I have to reinstall bitcoin vs. just transferring it.  When I go to install it brings up a new wallet for me to start.   When I put in the name of my old wallet it doesn't recognize it.  

You need to copy your wallet from your old computer to a new one. If you are running Windows, press WIN + R, type in "%appdata%", go to "Electrum/wallets" folder and copy your wallet file. Paste it into the same directory on your new computer.

Can't do it.  Old computer is corrupt.  I'll have to talk to them about Airdrop.  I'll see below

Is there a way to install electrum and use my seed to just go to my old wallet (I don't get the option with the new install from the electrum website.  Just make a new wallet

Select "Standard Wallet" and then "I already have a seed".

Funny I tried that and it didn't come up.  I'm doing it now but it's asking if I want to encrypt the wallet file.   I'm the only one who uses this computer, MacBook Air, and it never leaves my sight so do I need that?  I'm thinking yes but not if it'll bog down the system.  Do I encrypt?  and thanks.

[Rath_]

Funny I tried that and it didn't come up.  I'm doing it now but it's asking if I want to encrypt the wallet file.   I'm the only one who uses this computer, MacBook Air, and it never leaves my sight so do I need that?  I'm thinking yes but not if it'll bog down the system.  Do I encrypt?  and thanks.

It never hurts to have an extra layer of security. You will be able to recover your wallet if you forget your password and remember your recovery phrase, so don't worry about that.

[pinkpajama99]

I have my seed stashed in a good place so thanks.    I have the wallet set up using the seed but it is not showing the amount in USD and I just noticed it is not using the name of the wallet on my other computer.  I don't care but can I rename the wallet?

It shows my entire history and the amount of bitcoin but it is not showing it in USD.

Another thing I read on the electrum site is I'm supposed to do something with a signature afterward.   I couldn't find it but it just told me to close and restart which I did so I guess I'm good.

I just would like to see USD on the bottom and then I can test it by sending some.  

Can you help please?

Got it the dollar amount on the bottom, I had fiat wrong but what about wallet name?  can I change that? or does it matter.  Right now its on default. 

Last question for now. 

[Rath_]

Another thing I read on the electrum site is I'm supposed to do something with a signature afterward.   I couldn't find it but it just told me to close and restart which I did so I guess I'm good.

You are actually supposed to verify the signature of the installer before the installation. This process makes sure that the file was not replaced by some malicious third-party. Here you can find a detailed guide.

It shows my entire history and the amount of bitcoin but it is not showing it in USD.

Go to "Tools -> Preferences", select "Fiat" tab. Change your "Fiat currency" from "None" to "USD".

I had fiat wrong but what about wallet name?  can I change that? or does it matter.  Right now its on default.

You need to change the file name manually in "%appdata%/Electrum/wallets".

[pinkpajama99]

Another thing I read on the electrum site is I'm supposed to do something with a signature afterward.   I couldn't find it but it just told me to close and restart which I did so I guess I'm good.

You are actually supposed to verify the signature of the installer before the installation. This process makes sure that the file was not replaced by some malicious third-party. Here you can find a detailed guide.

I got it from their website so I'm sure it's ok.  I appreciate the links. I'll check them out. 

It shows my entire history and the amount of bitcoin but it is not showing it in USD.

Go to "Tools -> Preferences", select "Fiat" tab. Change your "Fiat currency" from "None" to "USD".

Figured that out just now.  I actually had it on BTC.   Thanks.   I suspected that was it.

I had fiat wrong but what about wallet name?  can I change that? or does it matter.  Right now its on default.

You need to change the file name manually in "%appdata%/Electrum/wallets".

Is that for Mac?  I'll probably pass since I don't care really.

Having a friend send me a wallet address so I can try a sending a few bucks to make sure.

Thanks so much for your help.   

[Rath_]

Is that for Mac?  I'll probably pass since I don't care really.

I mentioned in my first post that it was for Windows. Here are the instructions for Mac OS.

Open Finder
Go to folder (shift+cmd+G) and type ~/.electrum

The wallet name does not have any impact on anything. You can leave it as it is if you don't mind it.

[pinkpajama99]

Is that for Mac?  I'll probably pass since I don't care really.

I mentioned in my first post that it was for Windows. Here are the instructions for Mac OS.

I did see, why I confirmed.

Open Finder
Go to folder (shift+cmd+G) and type ~/.electrum

The wallet name does not have any impact on anything. You can leave it as it is if you don't mind it.

Thanks.   I will at some point.  I'll save your directions.   

I really appreciate your help.  Thanks.

[pinkpajama99]

Hi,   I went to test my new wallet by sending a few bucks to a friend.  The transaction fee slider had it too high or too low.   I tried to accelerate and it said my fee was too low so I went to raise it and I got an error message in a box  with a yellow yield sign that says


transaction could not be saved because it conflicts with current history.

It also won't save that transaction.


I'm completely stumped right now.    I don't care about the $5 I sent but don't know what's up or why this isn't working.   I think I didn't save the first transaction but I don't know.   If I'm correct if this goes unclaimed for 30 days it comes back to me so I'm not worried but I need this to work,

Can anyone advise?   Also if I could get standard settings just to make sure I've got it right?

Thank you.  

I'm using a MacBook Air.   If I have to delete and restart I will.  Or if I can figure out airdrop or call apple. 

[Rath_]

I tried to accelerate and it said my fee was too low so I went to raise it and I got an error message in a box  with a yellow yield sign that says

How did you try to accelerate your transaction? Since you are running the latest version of Electrum, your transaction should be marked as replaceable. Go to "History" tab, right-click on your transaction and select "Bump fee".

If I'm correct if this goes unclaimed for 30 days it comes back to me so I'm not worried but I need this to work,

Your transaction should be dropped from the mempool after about 2 weeks. You should be able to replace your transaction using above instructions, though.

[pinkpajama99]

It doesn't give me Bump fee option. 

For some reason I do something and it doesn't work.  Then I ask a you a question and then I think it worked.  To be honest, It seemed to take it, the increase but I don't know.  I broadcast it and thought it was fine.  I saved then it said I needed to broadcast so I did it a gain but both times it said it sent money.   So I guess I"ll see.  I'm watching the transaction.


If this doesn't work I'll call apple and have them move it for me.     My old computer is corrupt which is why I couldn't migrate it.  But we'll see how this goes.

Again thanks.

[pinkpajama99]

I tried to accelerate and it said my fee was too low so I went to raise it and I got an error message in a box  with a yellow yield sign that says

How did you try to accelerate your transaction? Since you are running the latest version of Electrum, your transaction should be marked as replaceable. Go to "History" tab, right-click on your transaction and select "Bump fee".

If I'm correct if this goes unclaimed for 30 days it comes back to me so I'm not worried but I need this to work,

Your transaction should be dropped from the mempool after about 2 weeks. You should be able to replace your transaction using above instructions, though.

This is weird.    I just got a text from the guy I sent the money to that he got it, however in electrum it's still showing unconfirmed.   I'm so confused.

I'm just gonna put this on hold.  Thanks

[Rath_]

This is weird.    I just got a text from the guy I sent the money to that he got it, however in electrum it's still showing unconfirmed.   I'm so confused.

The server you are currently connected to might be overloaded or experiencing some other problems. Restart Electrum and it should automatically connect to a different server.

[pinkpajama99]

This is weird.    I just got a text from the guy I sent the money to that he got it, however in electrum it's still showing unconfirmed.   I'm so confused.

The server you are currently connected to might be overloaded or experiencing some other problems. Restart Electrum and it should automatically connect to a different server.

That did not change anything.   What I need is the original transaction ID. Maybe that's where that's showing.  I don't know where to find it but I'll just wait this out for a day or two.  

Worst case I'll wait a few weeks.  See what's up and maybe start over.   Again thanks\\

Oh and it's showing up unconfirmed on my old computer which has been closed.  So something is off.   hmmm

Big picture what's the best way to go?   Delete this and start over or delete this and air drop the other one here.  Most important is to not lose my BTC.   

[HCP]

It seems that you may not understand the "workflow" in Electrum for creating/sending transactions... and are clicking things that are not doing what you think they are. There are some slightly "confusing" parts of the Electrum UI/UX and it may not be obvious to new users.

For instance, on the "Send" tab, when you click "Pay"... it doesn't necessarily immediately send funds. You need to select the fee using the fee slider (or inspect the transaction details using "Advanced"), then enter a password (if required)... before clicking "Send".

However, if you use the "Advanced Preview", you need to click "Finalize", then "Sign" (enter password if required), then click "Broadcast".


If you click "save" on the "Send" tab, then it just adds an "Outgoing payment" and marks it as "unpaid" (you need to right click and select "Pay" to actually get this signed/broadcast etc)

However, if you use the "save" on the "Advanced Preview"... it saves a local copy of your transaction in your "History"... shows an "unconfirmed" amount being sent, but it is only on your PC. Nothing is sent, nothing is "broadcast" to the network:



As for "bump fee", that should generate a completely new transaction (different TransactionID etc)... and the original transaction should be removed.

So what exactly do you see in the "Transaction History" for your wallet? Do you see the test transaction you sent with a green tick?

[pinkpajama99]

It seems that you may not understand the "workflow" in Electrum for creating/sending transactions... and are clicking things that are not doing what you think they are. There are some slightly "confusing" parts of the Electrum UI/UX and it may not be obvious to new users.

For instance, on the "Send" tab, when you click "Pay"... it doesn't necessarily immediately send funds. You need to select the fee using the fee slider (or inspect the transaction details using "Advanced"), then enter a password (if required)... before clicking "Send".

However, if you use the "Advanced Preview", you need to click "Finalize", then "Sign" (enter password if required), then click "Broadcast".


If you click "save" on the "Send" tab, then it just adds an "Outgoing payment" and marks it as "unpaid" (you need to right click and select "Pay" to actually get this signed/broadcast etc)

However, if you use the "save" on the "Advanced Preview"... it saves a local copy of your transaction in your "History"... shows an "unconfirmed" amount being sent, but it is only on your PC. Nothing is sent, nothing is "broadcast" to the network:



As for "bump fee", that should generate a completely new transaction (different TransactionID etc)... and the original transaction should be removed.

So what exactly do you see in the "Transaction History" for your wallet? Do you see the test transaction you sent with a green tick?

I've been using electrum for several years.  It's this new update that has me confused.   That transaction, the money went and was received, and one part in Send shows the money there.   

There is no green tick.  It still shows the three gears and unconfirmed.   The bottom also shows the send unconfirmed but the money was received.

Your explanation is too complicated for me to understand.  I'm a just give me the basics kinda gal.   The problem started when I tried to raise the fee.  When I first sent it it picked a fee that said it was too high, like 600%.  so I moved it and it would either go to zero or some outrageously high amount.     I tried again and that time I guess it worked and it went through but it's the transaction I think for the extra fee that is caught in limbo.

I know how to send money, it's this version that I'm struggling with.   I'm just gonna wait a few weeks and see what happens and worst case start over.

What I'd like is a step by step for dummies on basic steps to send money.    When to broadcast, what to broadcast, what to sign?  I never had a problem.  This is the first time I've ever had problem.   

[HCP]

There is no green tick.  It still shows the three gears and unconfirmed.   The bottom also shows the send unconfirmed but the money was received.

It you have the "3 gears" and it says unconfirmed... and you have the "green dot" in the bottom right corner, then the transaction is "broadcast", but most likely still "unconfirmed". The recipient might have a "receive" transaction showing in whatever wallet they are using, but the transaction is not "complete".

If you right click on the transaction showing as unconfirmed, then select "Copy -> Transaction ID"... and then search for that TransactionID on one or more of the following blockexplorers, what do you see? Does it say the transaction is confirmed or unconfirmed?

https://www.blockchain.com/
https://btc.com/
https://blockchair.com/bitcoin/
https://live.blockcypher.com/btc/
https://blockstream.info/

Your explanation is too complicated for me to understand.  I'm a just give me the basics kinda gal.   The problem started when I tried to raise the fee.  When I first sent it it picked a fee that said it was too high, like 600%.  so I moved it and it would either go to zero or some outrageously high amount.     I tried again and that time I guess it worked and it went through but it's the transaction I think for the extra fee that is caught in limbo.

And I'm a little confused by your description of what you've attempted to do and what has actually happened...

How many transactions have you attempted to send since you updated? And how many do you see in your transaction history?

[Abdussamad]

It seems that you may not understand the "workflow" in Electrum for creating/sending transactions... and are clicking things that are not doing what you think they are. There are some slightly "confusing" parts of the Electrum UI/UX and it may not be obvious to new users.

For instance, on the "Send" tab, when you click "Pay"... it doesn't necessarily immediately send funds. You need to select the fee using the fee slider (or inspect the transaction details using "Advanced"), then enter a password (if required)... before clicking "Send".

However, if you use the "Advanced Preview", you need to click "Finalize", then "Sign" (enter password if required), then click "Broadcast".


If you click "save" on the "Send" tab, then it just adds an "Outgoing payment" and marks it as "unpaid" (you need to right click and select "Pay" to actually get this signed/broadcast etc)

However, if you use the "save" on the "Advanced Preview"... it saves a local copy of your transaction in your "History"... shows an "unconfirmed" amount being sent, but it is only on your PC. Nothing is sent, nothing is "broadcast" to the network:



As for "bump fee", that should generate a completely new transaction (different TransactionID etc)... and the original transaction should be removed.

So what exactly do you see in the "Transaction History" for your wallet? Do you see the test transaction you sent with a green tick?

I've been using electrum for several years.  It's this new update that has me confused.   That transaction, the money went and was received, and one part in Send shows the money there.   

There is no green tick.  It still shows the three gears and unconfirmed.   The bottom also shows the send unconfirmed but the money was received.

Your explanation is too complicated for me to understand.  I'm a just give me the basics kinda gal.   The problem started when I tried to raise the fee.  When I first sent it it picked a fee that said it was too high, like 600%.  so I moved it and it would either go to zero or some outrageously high amount.     I tried again and that time I guess it worked and it went through but it's the transaction I think for the extra fee that is caught in limbo.

I know how to send money, it's this version that I'm struggling with.   I'm just gonna wait a few weeks and see what happens and worst case start over.

What I'd like is a step by step for dummies on basic steps to send money.    When to broadcast, what to broadcast, what to sign?  I never had a problem.  This is the first time I've ever had problem.   

normally you don't do any broadcasting because the app does itself. you can go to tools > preferenecs > transactions tab and uncheck advanced preview to avoid seeing that confusing window

the only case where you would do broadcasting is if you bumped the fee.

never click save or export. you may also want to right click and delete those unpaid payments from teh send and history tab. this will reduce the confusion level.

also note that the history tab is authoritative for transactions related to your wallet. the send tab is not authoritative for this and neither is the receive tab. you can delete entries in the list on the send tab if they are bothering you.  on the history tab the only things you can delete are local transactions. those got dropped from the mempool of the server you are connected to so they never actually happened. right click menu lets you do this.