Learning Newb trying to retrieve BTC

[Sundown121]

So a few years back I created an Armory Wallet with the Secureprint code and root key thru exploration of crypto at the time.  I printed the paper backup and had lost it for a few years but found it recently.  I downloaded the software on a Windows machine and input all the information.  It requested and I input a new passphrase which I did and it shows offline.  I readily admit I was new then and still am now but trying to get access to the 2 BTC's I gained back then and is in there.

I read some other threads about downloading Bitcoin Core which seems daunting.  Do I following the instructions on the Bitcoin Core website for Windows in conjunction with Armory Wallet and that will give me online access to what is stored in there or is there another process I must follow?

I am trying to learn all I can but this recent discovery takes precedence.  Appreciate all guidance and assistance.

[bitmover]

I read some other threads about downloading Bitcoin Core which seems daunting.  Do I following the instructions on the Bitcoin Core website for Windows in conjunction with Armory Wallet and that will give me online access to what is stored in there or is there another process I must follow?

I am trying to learn all I can but this recent discovery takes precedence.  Appreciate all guidance and assistance.

There is no need to download bitcoin core.

Please check this thread:

Open Armory and go to 'Import or Restore Wallet' -> 'Single-Sheet Backup (printed)' and enter your root key to restore the wallet.

Once you've done that, double click the wallet -> 'Backup This Wallet' -> 'Export Key Lists' and you should get 1 or more private keys (PrivBase58) which you can import into a lightweight client like Electrum.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/lbqc4l/i_have_an_old_paper_backup_for_armory_wallet_how/


I found this link as well, which might be able to help you.
https://www.bitcoinarmory.com/tutorials/armory-basics/restore-wallet/

Personally  as soon  as you recover your funds I would move to a wallet which supports bip39, such as electrum. Easier to use and more compatibility

[nc50lc]

So a few years back I created an Armory Wallet with the Secureprint code and root key thru exploration of crypto at the time.  I printed the paper backup and had lost it for a few years but found it recently.  I downloaded the software on a Windows machine and input all the information.  It requested and I input a new passphrase which I did and it shows offline.  I readily admit I was new then and still am now but trying to get access to the 2 BTC's I gained back then and is in there.

I read some other threads about downloading Bitcoin Core which seems daunting.  Do I following the instructions on the Bitcoin Core website for Windows in conjunction with Armory Wallet and that will give me online access to what is stored in there or is there another process I must follow?
-snip-

2BTC is worthy enough to not meddle with the private keys, I'd suggest you to let Bitcoin core sync in order for Armory to be online.

If you have enough disk space and internet bandwidth, leave Bitcoin core's setting as it is.
Just normally launch Bitcoin Core (bitcoin-qt) 'till it's fully synced (check settings->options if "prune blockchain" is enabled) it must be disabled.
Add server=1 to your bitcoin.conf file, create one in the default data directory or use this tool if you don't have one: https://jlopp.github.io/bitcoin-core-config-generator

After it sync, launch Armory without changing the settings so it'll use all default directories and it will build the database and scan your wallet's balance.
After that you should be able to spend your balance.

If you really can't sync the wallet and need to dump the private keys, there are a few more steps to display all the keys aside from the explained by the post above:

Click "Wallet Properties" then, "Backup This Wallet".
Check "Export Key Lists", then the button with the same name below, type your password and a window will open.
Check "Include Unused (Address Pool)", check "Omit spaces in key data" (below) and find your address from the list and copy its private key WIF (PrivBase58).

Download Electrum from the official site: electrum.org
Use, "Import Bitcoin addresses or private keys" when creating a new wallet, and paste your private key there.

[goatpig]

AFAIK, the next ARMORY release will add support to bech32,  I don’t think it'll be long to wait. Armory remains the safest software wallet to hold bitcoin.   

New code has full bip32 and bech32 support. Most of what's left is migrating stuff around from qt4 to qt5, but Ive been held up by other stuff at my day job. I am motivated to push this thing out the door so that I can start on taproot integration however, which is expected in October (IIRC). I got my work cut out for me.

[HCP]

So a few years back I created an Armory Wallet with the Secureprint code and root key thru exploration of crypto at the time.  I printed the paper backup and had lost it for a few years but found it recently.  I downloaded the software on a Windows machine and input all the information.  It requested and I input a new passphrase which I did and it shows offline.  I readily admit I was new then and still am now but trying to get access to the 2 BTC's I gained back then and is in there.

I read some other threads about downloading Bitcoin Core which seems daunting.  Do I following the instructions on the Bitcoin Core website for Windows in conjunction with Armory Wallet and that will give me online access to what is stored in there or is there another process I must follow?

A fully synced, NON-pruned Bitcoin Core is absolutely required for Armory to function properly.

This will likely require several days to complete... and will also require 350-400gigs of disk space for the block storage (you CANNOT use a "pruned" node with Armory).

However, I concur with nc50lc... installing Bitcoin Core, fully syncing the blockchain, and getting Armory communicating with Bitcoin Core is the "safest" way that you can get access to your coins, even if it might take a day or three to get it all hooked up and working.

Exporting private keys and importing them into other wallets carries significant risk unless you have fully air-gapped computers which you know (and can guarantee) to be 100% malware free.

Think of it this way... you've survived years without those 2 BTC... no sense risking it all just for the sake of a day or 2!