Armory Wallets - help needed

[bitsource]

After inheriting several Paper Backup Armory Wallets when my son passed away about a year ago, time has now come to restore these and see what is there. First: I have now synchronized Bitcoin Core (3 weeks and 165 GB), Armory is now "Preparing Databases" - so far three days into this preparation with no end in sight nor any update or indication of activity. My question is: 1 - how long is this going to take? I am getting disillusioned with the Armory Process! and 2 - With Bitcoin Core and Armory taking a lot of space, can I store these file on an external drive and operate the Armory wallets from this external drive? If so, how.
i will be grateful for any help and guidance.

[OneChain]

Did you ever get this issue resolved?

[bitsource]

No. Armory continues to "Preparing Databases" and I am not very impressed. Should I delete the Armory from the computer and start fresh? Any suggestions is certainly welcome.

[bitsource]

I am trying to access my Armory wallets. So far I have synchronized Bitcoin Core (3 weeks and 165 GB)and Armory has been "Preparing Databases" for the past 2 weeks without any sign of success or progress. What am I doing wrong? I am getting disillusioned by this process and need some help and guidance.