Connection issue between Sparrow and Bitcoin Core

[BGK045]

Hi - I have my Bitcoin Core node running with the data directory on an external hard drive to save space on my laptop. When I opened Sparrow and connected it to the node the first time, everything was fine. Since then, I get an error from Sparrow that says "Connection failed: Wallet file verification failed. Failed to create database path '/Volumes/External Hard Drive/cormorant'. Database already exists.". When I close Sparrow, delete the cormorant folder from the data directory (in the external hard drive) and then reopen Sparrow, a new cormorant folder is created and everything works fine. Any idea how to fix this issue so that I don't have to delete the cormorant folder every time I reopen Sparrow? Thanks in advance!

[1714567816]

1714567816

[1714567816]

1714567816

[1714567816]

1714567816

[o_e_l_e_o]

In the first instance, I would try using the -walletdir option within Bitcoin Core to change the location of your wallet directory to your main drive , but leave the blockchain data on your external drive, and then try again.

Failing that, check both Bitcoin Core's and Sparrow's log files to see if there is any useful information in them.

[NeuroticFish]

1. The error sounds to me like a software is trying to (re)create the wallet at each and every start (which I'd say is not normal).
2. While looking for clues I've found this user's report on Git, at Sparrow's pages, including images and log. Maybe this helps anybody: https://github.com/sparrowwallet/sparrow/issues/1053

[BGK045]

In the first instance, I would try using the -walletdir option within Bitcoin Core to change the location of your wallet directory to your main drive , but leave the blockchain data on your external drive, and then try again.

Failing that, check both Bitcoin Core's and Sparrow's log files to see if there is any useful information in them.

Thanks, but I'm not sure how to use the walletdir option. How do I do that?

[o_e_l_e_o]

-snip-

That GitHub seems to confirm it's an issue with the wallet being on a different drive. Hopefully moving it to the main drive as I suggested will work.

Thanks, but I'm not sure how to use the walletdir option. How do I do that?

Either add walletdir=PATH to your bitcoin.conf file, or launch bitcoin with the added command line or shortcut option -walletdir=PATH, with PATH changed to a path to a directory on your main drive. If you say what OS you are using I can be more specific.

[BGK045]

-snip-

That GitHub seems to confirm it's an issue with the wallet being on a different drive. Hopefully moving it to the main drive as I suggested will work.

Thanks, but I'm not sure how to use the walletdir option. How do I do that?

Either add walletdir=PATH to your bitcoin.conf file, or launch bitcoin with the added command line or shortcut option -walletdir=PATH, with PATH changed to a path to a directory on your main drive. If you say what OS you are using I can be more specific.

Awesome - thank you for your help! I'm using a Mac. Do I have to move the cormorant folder to the main drive before adjusting the wallet path?

[o_e_l_e_o]

Do I have to move the cormorant folder to the main drive before adjusting the wallet path?

I wouldn't. I would just change the walletdir path, relaunch Bitcoin Core, and then relaunch Sparrow, and let Sparrow create a new cormorant wallet on your main drive.

I assume you have managed to locate the bitcoin.conf file and figured out how to path to your main drive?