Help in installing windows Electrum wallet

jackg

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https://bit.ly/387FXHi lightning theory

Quote from: HCP on June 23, 2018, 01:34:59 AM

As far as I'm aware... "using" the wallet file doesn't decrypt it on the disk. I've tested this by opening an encrypted wallet... entering the password, then opening the wallet file using a text editor while the wallet file is in use by Electrum. So if an attacker were to copy the file, regardless of if it is open or not, it will still be encrypted.

The wallet file is only decrypted into memory... something that the RPC vulnerability is not able to exploit.

Thi is correct. And it's the just the public key that is decrypted and placed in the memory (and the history of course). If you want to send a transaction, you still need your password to sign it therefore the private keys are still encrypted when you open your wallet. I'm assuming your password decrypts the entire wallet file and then the password then decrypts the wallet file and the private key sequentually.

HCP

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Quote from: bob123 on June 22, 2018, 05:20:42 AM

But, on the other hand, if your wallet is (properly) encrypted and the attacker does not have access to your password (e.g. via keylogger), your wallet should be safe.
But this also means, that the moment you want to use your wallet (decrypting it), an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to steal your private keys.

So, storing an (properly) encrypted wallet should be fine. But you shouldn't use it (send funds / sign messages) if you want to stay safe.

As far as I'm aware... "using" the wallet file doesn't decrypt it on the disk. I've tested this by opening an encrypted wallet... entering the password, then opening the wallet file using a text editor while the wallet file is in use by Electrum. So if an attacker were to copy the file, regardless of if it is open or not, it will still be encrypted.

The wallet file is only decrypted into memory... something that the RPC vulnerability is not able to exploit.

So, unless the machine is compromised through some other method whereby the attacker has access to memory or keyloggers etc (in which case it doesn't matter if the user is running Electrum v3.1.3 (current latest version) or any of the vulnerable versions) then as long as the user has a "decent" password and/or encrypted the wallet file... then the RPC vulnerability isn't likely to be an issue.

bob123

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Quote from: Lucius on June 21, 2018, 05:17:49 AM

bob123 , as far I know in order to hacker can get a chance to steal coins from any Electrum before version 3.0.5 victim need to have open browser and run in a site where hacker is waiting his chance/of course victim need to have Electrum open/decrypted to make the hack successful. So in theory with no open browser older version are safe from this attack?

Well, in theory, an opened malicious browser site is one way to get a (non-encrypted) wallet compromised.
An attacker could also use a vulnerability of your OS or any service which run on your machine/network to get access to the RPC interface.

So, no. An open browser is not the only possiblity to get your funds stolen trough this vulnerability.

But, on the other hand, if your wallet is (properly) encrypted and the attacker does not have access to your password (e.g. via keylogger), your wallet should be safe.
But this also means, that the moment you want to use your wallet (decrypting it), an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to steal your private keys.

So, storing an (properly) encrypted wallet should be fine. But you shouldn't use it (send funds / sign messages) if you want to stay safe.

The best way is to always fix any issues and updating to the latest version.

Abdussamad

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2.8.3 will also not recognize segwit outputs. you'll have difficulty receiving funds from exchanges.

TryNinja

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Quote from: excessbit on June 21, 2018, 12:44:44 PM

Thank you so much for the answer but I'm still a bit confused about this-: "SegWit" - This will create bech32 (aka "bc1") addresses... if you want to use legacy (aka "1"-type) addresses... select "Standard". Pls do explain more.

Putting in a simple way:

There are 2 types of wallets that you can create directly from Electrum: (native) Segwit and Legacy.
(native) Segwit addresses start with 'bc1' (so, your address looks like this bc1qar0srrr7xfkvy5l643lydnw9re59gtzzwf5mdq) and Legacy addresses start with a '1' (example: 1F1tAaz5x1HUXrCNLbtMDqcw6o5GNn4xqX).

(native) Segwit (bc1) pros:

You pay fewer transaction fees
You help the network

(native) Segwit (bc1) cons:

Isn't supported everywhere, so you address will look invalid for a few block-explorers/services

My recommendation is that you generate a BIP49 Segwit wallet (which address starts with a '3' - example: 3J98t1WpEZ73CNmQviecrnyiWrnqRhWNLy). Why? Because you still pay fewer fees, and those addresses are supported by every service and block-explorer. Here is how you can do it (and use it in Electrum):

Quote from: TryNinja on January 15, 2018, 12:01:57 AM

1. Go to iancoleman's BIP39 seed generator[1] (optional - download the source code and run offline for better security);
2. Select 12 words and generate a new seed;
3. SAVE THIS SEED AND DON'T LOSE IT! You can't see it again in Electrum and without the seed you can't restore your wallet in the future;
4. Download Electrum[2];
5. While creating the wallet, select: Standard Wallet -> I already have a seed -> Paste the seed from step 2.
6. Click Options -> check "BIP39 seed" -> Next.
7. In the Derivation part, paste m/49'/0'/0'/0 and click next.
8. Now you have an Segwit wallet with addresses starting with 3.

[1] https://iancoleman.io/bip39/
[2] https://electrum.org/

excessbit

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Quote from: HCP on June 20, 2018, 05:48:35 PM

Quote from: excessbit on June 20, 2018, 12:24:04 PM

how to fill out the requirements in the electrum wallet to begin?

I don't understand what you mean? Do you mean how to create the wallet to start with?

You simply select:
- "File -> New\Restore"
- Give your wallet a name or accept the default name
- "Standard wallet"
- "Create a new seed"
- "SegWit" - This will create bech32 (aka "bc1") addresses... if you want to use legacy (aka "1"-type) addresses... select "Standard"
- WRITE THE SEED MNEMONIC (12 words) DOWN SOMEWHERE SAFE!
- click next
- re-enter the seed (it's a double check that you have written it down correctly)
- click next
- Enter a password to encrypt the wallet (If you lose this, you NEED the seed mnemonic from above to recover your wallet)

Your wallet will be generated and you can start receiving bitcoins.

Thank you so much for the answer but I'm still a bit confused about this-: "SegWit" - This will create bech32 (aka "bc1") addresses... if you want to use legacy (aka "1"-type) addresses... select "Standard". Pls do explain more.

jackg

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https://bit.ly/387FXHi lightning theory

Quote from: Lucius on June 21, 2018, 05:17:49 AM

bob123 , as far I know in order to hacker can get a chance to steal coins from any Electrum before version 3.0.5 victim need to have open browser and run in a site where hacker is waiting his chance/of course victim need to have Electrum open/decrypted to make the hack successful. So in theory with no open browser older version are safe from this attack?

Yes IN THEORY but that's really risky.

You have to fully encrypt your wallet file (even without it open a json rpc command can be run to get the data from it). It is also possible to boot an app using PHP/Cookies.

You have to ensure all browser processes are completely terminated, not even background processes should be running or any other apps that are on your computer if they're not so trustworthy. Even with a password the request commands can still be changed (the address on the send to window and the amount can be changed also using a json rpc call).

Lucius

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Quote from: susila_bai on June 21, 2018, 02:30:07 AM

Thank you everyone for your help and support,

But i have installed the old version of electrum 2.8.3 and it is working fine,

Now please tell me what is the Transaction fees to setup so that i can transfer my coins fast without any problem.

I know you try with version 3.1.3 and after all updates it did not work for you which is strange, it should be work since I use Windows 7 and never have problems with Electrum, so something in missing regarding Windows update.

Did you try at least to install version 3.0.5 before using such old/outdated version?

bob123 , as far I know in order to hacker can get a chance to steal coins from any Electrum before version 3.0.5 victim need to have open browser and run in a site where hacker is waiting his chance/of course victim need to have Electrum open/decrypted to make the hack successful. So in theory with no open browser older version are safe from this attack?

bob123

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Quote from: susila_bai on June 21, 2018, 02:30:07 AM

But i have installed the old version of electrum 2.8.3 and it is working fine,

This is a big mistake.
Electrum before 3.0.5 is vulnerable to exploits which could lead to your funds being stolen.
You should ONLY install the newest version and keep it always up-to-date.

Quote from: susila_bai on June 21, 2018, 02:30:07 AM

Now please tell me what is the Transaction fees to setup so that i can transfer my coins fast without any problem.

A Hero member who doesn't know how to set the fee? Huh

You can simply use electrum's built-in fee estimation. Or you visit https://jochen-hoenicke.de/queue/#1,24h and check the current mempool.
You might also want to visit https://estimatefee.com/ to calculate the fee required to get a confirmation within X blocks/minutes.

Quote from: Oilacris on June 21, 2018, 02:42:52 AM

[..] the thing worries me here is that older version do have issues but as long its encrypted its just fine.

No, it is not. Once you are going to actually use your wallet, it will be decrypted, exposing you to theft.

Oilacris

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Quote from: susila_bai on June 21, 2018, 02:30:07 AM

Thank you everyone for your help and support,

But i have installed the old version of electrum 2.8.3 and it is working fine,

Now please tell me what is the Transaction fees to setup so that i can transfer my coins fast without any problem.

Problem of yours was similar on my situation where i do got error even my Windows Os is already updated i tend to post out but it works when i do download older version. It seems theres a file which isnt executable on new update of electrum the thing worries me here is that older version do have issues but as long its encrypted its just fine.

About your question about fees, electrum do automatically set out dynamic fees on default but theres a slide where you can set out fees according to your needs.

susila_bai

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Thank you everyone for your help and support,

But i have installed the old version of electrum 2.8.3 and it is working fine,

Now please tell me what is the Transaction fees to setup so that i can transfer my coins fast without any problem.

HCP

legendary

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Quote from: excessbit on June 20, 2018, 12:24:04 PM

how to fill out the requirements in the electrum wallet to begin?

I don't understand what you mean? Do you mean how to create the wallet to start with?

You simply select:
- "File -> New\Restore"
- Give your wallet a name or accept the default name
- "Standard wallet"
- "Create a new seed"
- "SegWit" - This will create bech32 (aka "bc1") addresses... if you want to use legacy (aka "1"-type) addresses... select "Standard"
- WRITE THE SEED MNEMONIC (12 words) DOWN SOMEWHERE SAFE!
- click next
- re-enter the seed (it's a double check that you have written it down correctly)
- click next
- Enter a password to encrypt the wallet (If you lose this, you NEED the seed mnemonic from above to recover your wallet)

Your wallet will be generated and you can start receiving bitcoins.

excessbit

newbie

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just installed 3.1.3 on my windows laptop. So easy was this that I'm beginning to wonder if your pc has a specific problem? Meanwhile, am a newbie to bitcoin and all that goes with it, so I want to know from anyone who can help, how to fill out the requirements in the electrum wallet to begin?

jackg

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https://bit.ly/387FXHi lightning theory

You need to update windows as the others have suggested and it needs to be updated to windows 7 service pack 1.

You can find the info as to the current operating system installed here: Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\System (after loading explorer/control panel).

You should then get something like this:

Dread Pirate Roberts

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Quote from: susila_bai on June 19, 2018, 11:45:38 AM

But the latest Electrum V3.1.3 downloaded is not running and it is giving error of win 32 error, and even after windows 7 updated with latest i am not able to still install electrum. now i am going to install visual c++ as you have mention and see what will be the result.

Hello i ever had similiar Problem like this already install visual++ 2015 / 2017 still giving the same error . what i do is need to update your Windows using
" Windows Update " before installing Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015
and i am solved my problem!

Here is my original Solved Post
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.31073204

Code:

-Update microsoft software trough [b]Windows update[/b] Tutorial Here -> https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0-dll-missing-error-solved/#way1
-Then install Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015
- Restart Computer 
-[b]It works when iam uninstall electrum first, and then install again [/b].

susila_bai

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Quote from: HCP on June 16, 2018, 11:20:18 PM

Windows 7 and Electrum v3+ do not really play nicely together. Since Electrum was upgraded to Python 3, older versions of Windows can have issues.

You best bet is to try downloading and installing the "Visual C++ Redistributable" packages for your OS. Note, you'll need to ensure you use the correct 32bit or 64bit package depending on the version of Windows you are running. 32Bit = x86... 64bit = x64

Go here: https://support.microsoft.com/help/2977003/the-latest-supported-visual-c-downloads

I'd try the 2015 one first... then the 2017 one.

But the latest Electrum V3.1.3 downloaded is not running and it is giving error of win 32 error, and even after windows 7 updated with latest i am not able to still install electrum. now i am going to install visual c++ as you have mention and see what will be the result.

HCP

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Windows 7 and Electrum v3+ do not really play nicely together. Since Electrum was upgraded to Python 3, older versions of Windows can have issues.

You best bet is to try downloading and installing the "Visual C++ Redistributable" packages for your OS. Note, you'll need to ensure you use the correct 32bit or 64bit package depending on the version of Windows you are running. 32Bit = x86... 64bit = x64

Go here: https://support.microsoft.com/help/2977003/the-latest-supported-visual-c-downloads

I'd try the 2015 one first... then the 2017 one.

bob123

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Quote from: susila_bai on June 16, 2018, 07:21:39 AM

I have updated my windows 7 and even the file which it was asking to update also got fixed but still the wallet is not working and the wallet is giving same error like before. Even after getting windows 7 updated with latest version.

Does the first error still appear? Because if all updates went successful, it should disappear.
Do you have a cracked windows copy (not that i am expecting an answer now, but this causes such issues) ? Your settings might be somehow corrupted/modified.
Did you check the update logs whether all updates went successfully ? Windows does show no new updates even tho the last one failed sometimes. The update history should reveal any failed updates.

Regarding the second error, do you have python installed? If not: https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-365/

Lucius

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Quote from: susila_bai on June 16, 2018, 07:21:39 AM

I have updated my windows 7 and even the file which it was asking to update also got fixed but still the wallet is not working and the wallet is giving same error like before. Even after getting windows 7 updated with latest version.

I have also Electrum on Windows 7 and it is working without problems, only version is not 3.1.3 but one of the oldest version. Try to make clean install of Electrum, before that remove all of data from path : C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Electrum\wallets (or %APPDATA%\Electrum\wallets) - to see app data folder you need to click Organize - Folder and search Option - View - Show hidden files.

Two more tips you can try, this Windows Update here, and try to download Windows Installer instead Standalone Executable.

susila_bai

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Quote from: Lucius on June 16, 2018, 04:07:15 AM

First error is because that file is missing from your computer, it is known issue on some Windows OS and it can be easy fixed just by downloading that file.You can get more info on this link Missing-Error-Solved

Second problem should be solved with another Windows update, for more info visit this link Github Electrum Issues and download this Update for Windows 7 (KB2999226)

Actually, you are missing some files/updates for your OS in order to Electrum work correctly, after you update your OS it should work fine.

I have updated my windows 7 and even the file which it was asking to update also got fixed but still the wallet is not working and the wallet is giving same error like before. Even after getting windows 7 updated with latest version.

Topic: Help in installing windows Electrum wallet (Read 338 times)