Would it matter that I did not install armory first, then download and install bitcoin after launching armory? The way I did it was to download, install, and sync up bitcoin core first. Afterward, I installed armory. I am thinking of completely wiping the hard drive and external HD, then coin the installation the other way - install armory first, then download and install bitcoin core through armory.
Why not just make another thread about armory under this section "
Armory" to get a proper guide and solution of your problem about armory.
Anyway, you can do that wait for fully sync before you install the armory but even it's not fully synced they should communicate.
There might be an issue on OS you are trying to install what version of OS you currently using?