Watch only wallet with Private key

[Bennas]

Do you have a different computer you consider safe and malware-free where you can download a genuine copy of Electrum and try it there? Maybe even using the mobile version of Electrum.
It's not recommended to use older versions, but at this stage, you might just try that as well. You can find older Electrum versions here. Maybe try with the 3.3.8 (don't use older versions than that) or the 4.0.1.

Besides that, you might want to try and get in touch with the Electrum developers and the community over GitHub. Maybe someone sees something we haven't. 

Sir thank you so much for your reply.

I am going to follow your advice. It started to feel as if no-one wants to give the scenario a different thought. What I didn't do was to get mistaken by addresses and private keys and also Electrum was the only platform that brought up my original addresses for those private keys without the addresses even near the app. So that means there is a link to them and even the transactions are 100% correct. Definitely not a coincidence.

Where do I get in contact with the developers? Here on the same forum?

Lastly, can a private key have or have had more than 1 address or linked to more than 1 address? Those are my keys and my original addresses. Why does other platforms give an address that I do not know when imported but Electrum gives my original addresses. Lastly since you are more sympathetic to my issue I just want to confirm that Electrum shows imported and after showing my coins turn to watching only itself with only my private key in use. No doubt about it. As if something make it turn to watching only as if there is doubt about the private key. Therefore I will contact the developers as suggested.

[Pmalek]

Where do I get in contact with the developers? Here on the same forum?

Follow the GitHub link I posted in the previous post. You can register on GitHub and from the link, create a new issue. Anyone can then comment including the Electrum team if they want to.
ThomasV is an Electrum developer and a moderator of this sub. However, he hasn't been online since 2020. You can try and PM him and he might get an email notification and respond back. But I am not sure if it will work.

Lastly, can a private key have or have had more than 1 address or linked to more than 1 address?

The same private key can recover a legacy, nested segwit, and native segwit address. It depends on what prefix you enter before it in Electrum or if you don't enter a prefix at all.

Lastly since you are more sympathetic to my issue I just want to confirm that Electrum shows imported and after showing my coins turn to watching only itself with only my private key in use.

Everyone who has tried to help you is surely not unsympathetic and wishes you any harm. It's just that no one has ever seen a case in which you import a private key, it recovers a standard wallet but then changes it into a watch-only wallet. Honestly, I can't remember ever hearing about it either. That's why I suggested checking elsewhere, but I think you will get pretty much the same responses as you did here.

[o_e_l_e_o]

I am going to follow your advice. It started to feel as if no-one wants to give the scenario a different thought.

Because it is a balance of probabilities. It is exponentially more likely that you are getting confused between private keys and address or are opening the wrong wallet files compared to the alternative that you are the first person ever to have a standard Electrum wallet convert itself to a watching only wallet. If you honestly believe that this is what is happening, then yes, open an issue on Github because you have discovered a significant vulnerability. I doubt very much that this is the case, though.

Lastly, can a private key have or have had more than 1 address or linked to more than 1 address?

It can be linked to different address types as Pmalek has said. It can also be linked to uncompressed and compressed public key (with different addresses), but pooya87 already excluded that possibility on the first page of replies. So unless you did something really abnormal with the private key, then the answer is going to be no.

[Bennas]

Much appreciated guys. I know you work with a lot of issues and accept it. Only wanted to mention again that we have an exceptionally bad line speed where I stay. Looks like it could contribute to all of this.

I will try your suggestions and if I discover what could be wrong I will post it here.

Thanks again

[nc50lc]

-snip- Only wanted to mention again that we have an exceptionally bad line speed where I stay. Looks like it could contribute to all of this.

I highly doubt it, Electrum will only require about 56MB of data once (first time it launched), then only a trickle of few bytes after that.
Unless you're running a few lightning channels without trampoline routing.

[o_e_l_e_o]

Not to mention that the whole process of turning private keys in to address is done locally, and indeed can be done without an internet connection at all. There is no reason that Electrum would start generating incorrect addresses just because it has a slow connection or no connection at all. Even when you import a private key in to blockchain.com, the conversion to an address is done within your browser and does not require an internet connection.

[NeuroticFish]

Only wanted to mention again that we have an exceptionally bad line speed where I stay. Looks like it could contribute to all of this.

I kinda doubt it.
However, I've got an idea which I am not sure it was discussed:

Is there a chance that the wallet file cannot be properly written to HDD or get overwritten by an older version (by an antivirus or system protection), or something like that?
What I mean is the maybe you manage to try to restore your wallet on another computer (of course, make sure it's clean and that the Electrum is from electrum.org and verified). Or you can try for an 0.00000001 address even on your smartphone (although I don't have the same experience on smartphone) ; maybe you see whether it restores to the correct address and it's spendable or not. Or you can try sparrow wallet, which is pretty much compatible with Electrum and uses Electrum servers too, but it may get a bit more complicated to set up.

Maybe they're only crazy ideas, but if you have that time, it's only a bit of time to lose, isn't it?

[Bennas]

Only wanted to mention again that we have an exceptionally bad line speed where I stay. Looks like it could contribute to all of this.

I kinda doubt it.
However, I've got an idea which I am not sure it was discussed:

Is there a chance that the wallet file cannot be properly written to HDD or get overwritten by an older version (by an antivirus or system protection), or something like that?
What I mean is the maybe you manage to try to restore your wallet on another computer (of course, make sure it's clean and that the Electrum is from electrum.org and verified). Or you can try for an 0.00000001 address even on your smartphone (although I don't have the same experience on smartphone) ; maybe you see whether it restores to the correct address and it's spendable or not. Or you can try sparrow wallet, which is pretty much compatible with Electrum and uses Electrum servers too, but it may get a bit more complicated to set up.

Maybe they're only crazy ideas, but if you have that time, it's only a bit of time to lose, isn't it?

Thank you sir

I like your thinking and crazy ideas. My wallets are very old and created in the beginning if BTC.

I saw another post in the thread of Bennoko where nc50lc made the following comment " That's what I'm talking about in the previous replies, as stated in the release notes of v0.32+: /index.php?topic=5379817.msg58904925#msg58904925
The key derivation was changed twice since v0.31 (v0.31 and v0.34), thus, those old wallets' private keys can't be restored using the latest version.
He'll have to get the private keys from the restored wallet in v0.30 and import them to the latest (if still didn't worked, get the keys from v0.32~0.33)."

That makes me think that I might have a similar problem. The Electrum app picks up my correct addresses without having the address near to it. So must have a historical link to it. I am just not sure if a developer might shed some light on it but for the interim I am following your suggestions.

Many thanks

[NeuroticFish]

I saw another post in the thread of Bennoko where nc50lc made the following comment " That's what I'm talking about in the previous replies, as stated in the release notes of v0.32+: /index.php?topic=5379817.msg58904925#msg58904925
The key derivation was changed twice since v0.31 (v0.31 and v0.34), thus, those old wallets' private keys can't be restored using the latest version.
He'll have to get the private keys from the restored wallet in v0.30 and import them to the latest (if still didn't worked, get the keys from v0.32~0.33)."

That makes me think that I might have a similar problem. The Electrum app picks up my correct addresses without having the address near to it. So must have a historical link to it. I am just not sure if a developer might shed some light on it but for the interim I am following your suggestions.

Many thanks

You seem to be confusing apples with oranges. That thread is discussing about restoring a wallet based on electrum seed, not private keys. (And while the seed has change, the private keys didn't).
A seed is a list of (usually English) normal words. It's not what you have, since you stated you have private keys taken from Bitcoin Core. Or?

[Bennas]

Yes true it is from Bitcoin core but I am just looking for some fresh approach to look at my situation. Like I said Electrum have the ability to pick up the right addresses for the private keys. So it means something in its software links the original addresses where the coins are with the private keys that now gives a different address. You see where I am going? I know he is trying to restore from seed phrase.

[BlackHatCoiner]

So let me get this straight. You downloaded Electrum, you imported your private key(s) whose addresses have received BTC, and wanted to spend those coins. But, at first you couldn't sync your Electrum client. (You said it was taking hours to complete)

Now that you do have synced it (I can see it from your shared images) you don't get... What? Weren't you getting the correct addresses given the private keys you'd saved?

Also, if you want to hide your addresses, better do it in the entire text, not just within it. I can easily search what's your address as I know the first 6 characters and the last 8 characters.

[Bennas]

So let me get this straight. You downloaded Electrum, you imported your private key(s) whose addresses have received BTC, and wanted to spend those coins. But, at first you couldn't sync your Electrum client. (You said it was taking hours to complete)

Now that you do have synced it (I can see it from your shared images) you don't get... What? Weren't you getting the correct addresses given the private keys you'd saved?

Also, if you want to hide your addresses, better do it in the entire text, not just within it. I can easily search what's your address as I know the first 6 characters and the last 8 characters.

I am not with you sir. Did you read the entire thread? I am not trying to hide my addresses. Theres dust in that one.

I said if I import the keys (not addresses) in another platform like blockchain I get an address for that Private key that is different to the original addresses that I got years back. The new address that show up in blockchain and Exodus is empty. No coins. But when I import it in Electrum Private keys ( not addresses) it brings up the original addresses that belong to that Private key. After a while of course and watch only. Those still have the correct transactions and coins in it.

Do you understand what my problem is?

[BlackHatCoiner]

I am not with you sir. Did you read the entire thread?

I read the entire thread, but I'm not confident to say that I've fully understood what's the problem.

I am not trying to hide my addresses.

bennas.imgbb.com tells me otherwise.

I said if I import the keys (not addresses) in another platform like blockchain I get an address for that Private key that is different to the original addresses that I got years back.

So, you're importing the L3k1...5i to blockchain dot com and don't get the same address as you were with Bitcoin Core in 2013, correct? One step at a time.

[Bennas]

I said if I import the keys (not addresses) in another platform like blockchain I get an address for that Private key that is different to the original addresses that I got years back.

So, you're importing the L3k1...5i to blockchain dot com and don't get the same address as you were with Bitcoin Core in 2013, correct? One step at a time.
[/quote]

1. I started with bitcoin core around 2011 up to 2015. Private keys and addresses generated those years. Left the addresses with some coins and never had a look at it again until last year November.

2. I tried to get access to my wallets in bitcoin core but private keys wont regenerate spendable wallets. Did not even show addresses.

3. Downloaded Electrum 4.1.5 and import private keys in Electrum. Took some time but gave me a watching only wallet but with my original Addresses the way I left it with the coins still there.

4. Tried to import the private key in Blockchain but it gave me a different address. No coins in it (Obviously). Same different address with Exodus.

5. Went back to Electrum again. Gave me watching only address again when importing private keys with original addresses.

6. Never tried to import any address in any of these platforms.

Does it make more sense what I tried to solve my issue?
 

[BlackHatCoiner]

Does it make more sense what I tried to solve my issue?

Honestly, no, but you shouldn't give up. The more you talk about it, the more your chances to recover them.

1. I started with bitcoin core around 2011 up to 2015. Private keys and addresses generated those years. Left the addresses with some coins and never had a look at it again until last year November.

For how many addresses are we talking about?

2. I tried to get access to my wallets in bitcoin core but private keys wont regenerate spendable wallets. Did not even show addresses.

This doesn't make sense. Why should private keys regenerate wallets? Do you mean they don't give the same addresses once imported to another wallet?

3. Downloaded Electrum 4.1.5 and import private keys in Electrum. Took some time but gave me a watching only wallet but with my original Addresses the way I left it with the coins still there.

There are lots of things that I can't explain such as:

• Why did it take so long to sync?
• Why did it return you a watch-only wallet if you imported private keys?

There's probably something done wrong during the importation as I've never seen this case before. If you're importing valid private keys in the correct format, such as:

Code:

p2pkh:KzoyMdabwRwfWy98HQzrhdXFw6bcUCJKK9RR32VpkYcS4WtoUHKB

You should be getting a non-watch-only wallet.

4. Tried to import the private key in Blockchain but it gave me a different address. No coins in it (Obviously). Same different address with Exodus.

Note that if your private key starts with K, then these are compressed addresses and since your time period was 2011-2015, those addresses should be starting with 1. Blockchain dot com or Exodus may return you addresses that either start with 3 or bc1.

What you're looking is called a legacy address. Again, those that start with 1. Don't mess with wallet software that don't have the option of importing legacy addresses, it's a waste of time.

5. Went back to Electrum again. Gave me watching only address again when importing private keys with original addresses.

Have you tried importing one private key at a time?

6. Never tried to import any address in any of these platforms.

Good, stick with Electrum, it's more than fine.

[Bennas]

Honestly, no, but you shouldn't give up. The more you talk about it, the more your chances to recover them.

Yes I cant afford to let it go. It feels like we are making progress but slow. Very slow. Three months now

For how many addresses are we talking about?

We have 8 addresses all Legacy wallets and address starting with 1. All private keys starting with K or L

This doesn't make sense. Why should private keys regenerate wallets? Do you mean they don't give the same addresses once imported to another wallet?

What I meant if I import it into Bitcoin core it doesn't give a spendable wallet

There are lots of things that I can't explain such as:

Why did it take so long to sync?
Why did it return you a watch-only wallet if you imported private keys?


No one can explain this. I am desperate for someone to recall or have any idea why this is possible at all. Just the way it happened and I have to find a reason or solution. I imported it exactly the way you showed on top. Prepend included.

Note that if your private key starts with K, then these are compressed addresses and since your time period was 2011-2015, those addresses should be starting with 1. Blockchain dot com or Exodus may return you addresses that either start with 3 or bc1.


Unfortunately they give me an address that starts with 1 as shown in the pictures. If it returned me addresses starting with 3 or bc1 then it was easily explainable. But no.

Have you tried importing one private key at a time?

Yes with the same result 100%

I am dumbstruck with this issue. Should not be that difficult but thats how it is. But yes we are working on it with you guys.

Thank you so far

[NeuroticFish]

There are lots of things that I can't explain such as:

Why did it take so long to sync?
Why did it return you a watch-only wallet if you imported private keys?


No one can explain this.

As I wrote in another post: give it a try on a different computer. Maybe install Tails OS onto an USB stick (if you have a spare) and try from that one.
The problem may be something else from your computer interfering with what you are trying to do.
It's the only explanation I have now, since if you indeed do all you claim to do, then Electrum clearly doesn't behave as expected.

[Bennas]

There are lots of things that I can't explain such as:

Why did it take so long to sync?
Why did it return you a watch-only wallet if you imported private keys?


No one can explain this.

As I wrote in another post: give it a try on a different computer. Maybe install Tails OS onto an USB stick (if you have a spare) and try from that one.
The problem may be something else from your computer interfering with what you are trying to do.
It's the only explanation I have now, since if you indeed do all you claim to do, then Electrum clearly doesn't behave as expected.

Yes I am busy with it. On the other computer now it is the first time the orb remains blue arrows while its syncing. Previously went to green quickly but not fully synced. You might have a good point here.

[BlackHatCoiner]

What I meant if I import it into Bitcoin core it doesn't give a spendable wallet

What's the message it returns you? Could we have a screenshot from the GUI?

No one can explain this. I am desperate for someone to recall or have any idea why this is possible at all.

This can't be happening to anyone. Let me take your steps with 8 random private keys.

So you have these keys in a notepad, I assume, just like that:

You open up Electrum and try to restore your wallet. Follow the images.

You skip the password step and just click next. Do you see the addresses you own in a non-watch-only wallet?

As I wrote in another post: give it a try on a different computer. Maybe install Tails OS onto an USB stick (if you have a spare) and try from that one.

This is definitely not Electrum's fault. I don't know what's going on, but if he has verified the signature of the software it doesn't have to do with it.

[Bennas]

This can't be happening to anyone. Let me take your steps with 8 random private keys.

Yes I did it exactly like you did. Same key type and it returned next to the green "Receiving" my original addresses. With a download of which the signature was verified.

This is definitely not Electrum's fault. I don't know what's going on, but if he has verified the signature of the software it doesn't have to do with it.

I think its more a question of seeking help with my issue.

Fortunately Electrum returned my old wallet addresses which made me in return know that my addresses and key fit one another and that there is hope.