IDK what i do wrong | Friends of the Crustacean 🦞🤝 | Page 1

near ember Apr 20, 2026, 8:33 PM

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why does it always give me this when i try to talk to the bot "[agent/embedded] embedded run agent end: runId=eb8ceda1-68e7-429f-892b-c82ba71b1eed isError=true model=deepseek/deepseek-v3.2 provider=openrouter error=401 Missing Authentication header rawError=401 Missing Authentication header
23:30:34 [agent/embedded] embedded run failover decision: runId=eb8ceda1-68e7-429f-892b-c82ba71b1eed stage=assistant decision=surface_error reason=auth from=openrouter/deepseek/deepseek-v3.2 profile=sha256:ac092b59b472"

prisma caveBOT Apr 20, 2026, 8:33 PM

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reef iglooBOT Apr 20, 2026, 8:33 PM

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To help others find answers, you can mark your question as solved via Right click solution message -> Apps -> ✅ Mark Solution

prisma caveBOT Apr 20, 2026, 8:33 PM

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topaz sonnetBOT Apr 20, 2026, 8:35 PM

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That error is basically: OpenRouter got the request without an API key.

So the bot is reaching OpenRouter, but the Gateway process does not have OPENROUTER_API_KEY available, or the OpenRouter auth profile is missing/bad.

Please run these and paste the output:

pnpm openclaw --version
pnpm openclaw models status
pnpm openclaw gateway status

Most common fix for this exact 401 Missing Authentication header:

Put your key on the gateway host, usually in ~/.openclaw/.env

#

   OPENROUTER_API_KEY=sk-or-...

Restart the gateway
```
pnpm openclaw gateway restart
```

Re-check

pnpm openclaw models status
pnpm openclaw doctor

Alternative: store it through OpenClaw instead of env vars:

#

pnpm openclaw models auth paste-token --provider openrouter

Useful docs:

If you paste the 3 command outputs above, I can tell you the exact broken piece.

near ember Apr 21, 2026, 9:22 AM

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is it normal to have 5.bak files and 5 clobbered files in my openclaw location

topaz sonnetBOT Apr 21, 2026, 9:23 AM

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.bak files, yes, mostly normal. OpenClaw keeps backups.

.clobbered.* files, not really normal long-term. Those mean OpenClaw detected a bad/destructive config write, restored the last-known-good config, and saved the bad version as a clobbered snapshot.

So:

.bak = backup, usually fine
.clobbered.* = something kept trying to write a broken config

Having 5 clobbered files usually means this happened repeatedly, and yeah, that could absolutely be related to your OpenRouter auth issue if the bad config kept dropping or breaking your OPENROUTER_API_KEY / model auth setup.

Please paste these:

pnpm openclaw --version
pnpm openclaw config file

#

pnpm openclaw config validate
pnpm openclaw models status
pnpm openclaw doctor

And if you can, also:

CONFIG="$(pnpm openclaw config file)"
ls -lt "$CONFIG".clobbered.* "$CONFIG".rejected.* 2>/dev/null | head

Important: don’t delete the clobbered files yet. They’re useful for figuring out what kept breaking.

Docs:

https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/faq

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If you paste that output, I can help pinpoint whether it’s just missing OpenRouter auth, or a config writer keeps trashing it.

near ember Apr 21, 2026, 9:26 AM

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Unknown command: "openclaw"

topaz sonnetBOT Apr 21, 2026, 9:27 AM

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Yep, my bad, pnpm openclaw ... only works inside the OpenClaw repo checkout.

So use one of these:

If OpenClaw is installed globally

openclaw --version
openclaw models status
openclaw config file
openclaw config validate
openclaw doctor

If you are running from source

cd /path/to/openclaw

#

pnpm openclaw --version
pnpm openclaw models status
pnpm openclaw config file
pnpm openclaw config validate
pnpm openclaw doctor

If openclaw is also unknown, then you’re probably running the gateway from a repo checkout or service install, not from a global CLI.

In that case, the fastest useful thing is:

cd /path/to/openclaw
pnpm openclaw config file

#

and paste the result.

Also, the 5 clobbered files still matter, that means your config likely got rejected/restored multiple times, which could easily explain why OpenRouter auth keeps disappearing.

near ember Apr 21, 2026, 9:29 AM

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If I uninstall and install will u fully guide me on what to do I want a free provider no paid apis

topaz sonnetBOT Apr 21, 2026, 9:30 AM

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Yes, I’ll walk you through it end to end.

Given the repeated clobbered files, a clean reinstall/reset is reasonable. But before you uninstall, pick the path, because “free” can mean two different things:

Truly no paid API, fully local
- Use Ollama, Local only
- No paid API key
- Tradeoff: weaker/slower unless your machine is pretty decent
Free cloud usage
- Use OpenRouter free routes
- Usually easier to get working
- Still needs a free account + API key, even if you don’t pay

My honest recommendation:

If you want zero paid APIs at all, do Ollama local-only
If you want least pain, do OpenRouter free

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So reply with just these 3 things and I’ll give you the exact steps:

OS: Windows / macOS / Linux
Path: local-only or free-cloud
Install type: repo checkout or global install

Also, don’t uninstall yet. I want to give you the right cleanup steps first so you don’t nuke something unnecessarily.

Useful docs:

near ember Apr 21, 2026, 9:31 AM

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Do I need to install ollama again or I don’t need to install it

topaz sonnetBOT Apr 21, 2026, 9:32 AM

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You do not need to reinstall Ollama if you’re going with local-only and it already works.

Quick rule:

Using Ollama local-only → you need Ollama installed, but not reinstalled unless it’s broken
Using OpenRouter free → you do not need Ollama at all

Fast check:

ollama --version
ollama list

If those work, Ollama is installed fine.

So for now, don’t reinstall Ollama yet.

#

Tell me:

does ollama list work?
do you want local-only or free-cloud?

Then I’ll give you the exact next step.

near ember Apr 21, 2026, 9:35 AM

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I want open router free one

topaz sonnetBOT Apr 21, 2026, 9:36 AM

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Nice, that’s the easier path 👍

And just to be clear: OpenRouter free still needs a free OpenRouter account + API key, but you don’t need to pay if you pick a :free model.

Do this

Use one of these command styles:

Global install: openclaw ...
Repo checkout: cd /path/to/openclaw && pnpm openclaw ...

Steps

Check version
```
openclaw --version
```

#

or

pnpm openclaw --version

Run onboarding for OpenRouter

openclaw onboard --auth-choice openrouter-api-key

or

pnpm openclaw onboard --auth-choice openrouter-api-key

When it asks for a key, create one here:
https://openrouter.ai/keys

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After onboarding, check auth

openclaw models status

or

pnpm openclaw models status

Important: OpenRouter onboarding usually starts on openrouter/auto.
Since you want free, switch to a specific OpenRouter model ending in :free.

Easiest way on Discord:
```
/model
```
then pick an OpenRouter model with :free at the end.

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Don’t use Ollama for this path

You do not need Ollama if you’re going OpenRouter free.

If you want, reply with:

global or repo
your OS
the output of models status

and I’ll give you the exact next command with no guessing.

Docs:

near ember Apr 21, 2026, 9:37 AM

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Let’s delete it first then reinstall openclaw

topaz sonnetBOT Apr 21, 2026, 9:38 AM

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Okay, let’s do the clean supported path.

Warning: this wipes your current OpenClaw state/config, so only do this if you’re fine starting fresh.

1) Uninstall OpenClaw

If openclaw works on your machine, run:

openclaw uninstall --all --yes --non-interactive

That’s the built-in uninstall path from the docs.

2) Reinstall OpenClaw

#

pnpm add -g openclaw@latest
pnpm approve-builds -g

3) Run onboarding

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

During onboarding:

choose OpenRouter
paste your OpenRouter API key
finish setup

#

Get the key here:
https://openrouter.ai/keys

4) Check auth

openclaw models status

5) Switch to a free OpenRouter model

In Discord, use:

/model

#

Then pick an OpenRouter model that ends with :free.

If step 1 fails with command not found or similar, paste the exact error and I’ll give you the manual uninstall path next.

Docs:

near ember Apr 21, 2026, 10:32 AM

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Gateway service already installed
│ ● Restart
│ ○ Reinstall
│ ○ Skip

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[agent/embedded] incomplete turn detected: runId=090171a9-a83a-457f-8da4-4e85df741468 sessionId=8b50e01e-c3c9-49c0-a4e8-9315a6328cd6 stopReason=stop payloads=0 — surfacing error to user
13:39:19 [agent/embedded] incomplete turn detected: runId=4cf6151d-ec29-4125-be19-813774eef3a8 sessionId=8b50e01e-c3c9-49c0-a4e8-9315a6328cd6 stopReason=stop payloads=0 — surfacing error to user
13:39:34 [agent/embedded] incomplete turn detected: runId=f3ed2c14-aee4-47f5-8770-239685228b08 sessionId=8b50e01e-c3c9-49c0-a4e8-9315a6328cd6 stopReason=stop payloads=0 — surfacing error to user

topaz sonnetBOT Apr 21, 2026, 10:40 AM

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This is a different error from the earlier 401.

It means:

the model run started
then it stopped normally
but returned no actual reply text at all (payloads=0)

So OpenClaw is basically saying, “the model gave me nothing to show you.”

With OpenRouter free routes, this usually means the specific free model you picked is flaky / weak for agent turns or tool calls, not that your whole install is broken.

Try this first

In Discord:

#

/model

Then switch to a different OpenRouter model ending in :free and test again.

Short version

401 Missing Authentication header = auth/key problem
incomplete turn detected / payloads=0 = model returned nothing

So you’ve probably moved past auth, and now the issue is the current free model route.

If it still happens after switching models, paste:

openclaw --version

#

openclaw models status

(or pnpm openclaw ... if you’re running from the repo)

And for the freshest “which free model is actually behaving today” advice, check #models too:

near ember Apr 21, 2026, 10:42 AM

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keeps saying applicaton didnt respond

topaz sonnetBOT Apr 21, 2026, 10:42 AM

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Yeah, that one is Discord timing out the slash command, not you.

application didn't respond usually means the bot never answered the /model interaction in time.

Try this first

openclaw gateway restart

Then retry one /model command.

If it still fails, paste these

openclaw --version

#

openclaw status
openclaw gateway status
openclaw doctor

If you’re running from a repo checkout, use pnpm openclaw ... instead.

At this point I’m less worried about your OpenRouter key, and more worried the gateway / Discord command path is wedged.

Docs:

near ember Apr 21, 2026, 10:46 AM

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C:\Users\marss> openclaw gateway status

🦞 OpenClaw 2026.4.15 (041266a) — More integrations than your therapist's intake form.

│
◇
Service: Scheduled Task (registered)
File logs: ~\AppData\Local\Temp\openclaw\openclaw-2026-04-21.log

Config (cli): ~.openclaw\openclaw.json
Config (service): ~.openclaw\openclaw.json

Gateway: bind=loopback (127.0.0.1), port=18789 (env/config)
Probe target: ws://127.0.0.1:18789
Dashboard: http://127.0.0.1:18789/
Probe note: Loopback-only gateway; only local clients can connect.

Runtime: stopped (state Ready, last run 1, last run time 21/04/2026 13:43:24, Task Last Run Result=1; treating as not running.)
RPC probe: failed
RPC target: ws://127.0.0.1:18789
gateway closed (1006):

Service is loaded but not running (likely exited immediately).
File logs: C:\Users\marss\AppData\Local\Temp\openclaw\openclaw-2026-04-21.log
Logs: schtasks /Query /TN "OpenClaw Gateway" /V /FO LIST

Troubles: run openclaw status
Troubleshooting: https://docs.openclaw.ai/troubleshooting
PS C:\Users\marss> openclaw doctor

topaz sonnetBOT Apr 21, 2026, 10:47 AM

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Perfect, this found the real problem.

Your gateway is not running at all:

Runtime: stopped
Task Last Run Result=1
gateway closed (1006)
Service is loaded but not running (likely exited immediately)

So Discord saying “application didn’t respond” makes sense, the bot backend is dead before it can answer.

Next step

Please finish openclaw doctor and paste the full output.

If doctor doesn’t clearly say why it died, then run this and paste the first error-looking lines:

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Get-Content -Tail 120 C:\Users\marss\AppData\Local\Temp\openclaw\openclaw-2026-04-21.log

For now, ignore OpenRouter/model stuff. First we need the gateway to stay up.

If you want the short diagnosis right now: this looks more like a gateway startup crash on native Windows than a model problem.

near ember Apr 21, 2026, 10:51 AM

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{"0":"Recommended first: openclaw backup create","_meta":{"runtime":"node","runtimeVersion":"25.2.1","hostname":"MATA","name":"openclaw","date":"2026-04-21T09:39:45.106Z","logLevelId":3,"logLevelName":"INFO","path":{"fullFilePath":"file:///C:/Users/marss/AppData/Roaming/npm/node_modules/openclaw/dist/subsystem-Cgmckbux.js:153:46","fileName":"subsystem-Cgmckbux.js","fileNameWithLine":"subsystem-Cgmckbux.js:153","fileColumn":"46","fileLine":"153","filePath":"/C:/Users/marss/AppData/Roaming/npm/node_modules/openclaw/dist/subsystem-Cgmckbux.js","filePathWithLine":"/C:/Users/marss/AppData/Roaming/npm/node_modules/openclaw/dist/subsystem-Cgmckbux.js:153","method":"console.log"}},"time":"2026-04-21T12:39:45.108+03:00"}
{"0":"Removed ~\.openclaw","_meta":{"runtime":"node","runtimeVersion":"25.2.1","hostname":"MATA","name":"openclaw","date":"2026-04-21T09:39:45.853Z","logLevelId":3,"logLevelName":"INFO","path": i deleted more than a quarter because i couldnt send it to u

topaz sonnetBOT Apr 21, 2026, 10:51 AM

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That’s okay, the important bit is this:

Removed ~\.openclaw means the reset actually happened.

So now let’s reinstall cleanly on Windows.

Next step, reinstall

In PowerShell, run the official Windows installer:

iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex

That’s the recommended Windows install path from the docs.

During onboarding

#

Choose:

OpenRouter
paste your OpenRouter API key
finish setup

Key here:
https://openrouter.ai/keys

After install finishes, run these

openclaw gateway status
openclaw models status

Then come back here with those 2 outputs.

#IDK what i do wrong

Do this

Steps

Don’t use Ollama for this path

If you want, reply with:

1) Uninstall OpenClaw

2) Reinstall OpenClaw

3) Run onboarding

4) Check auth

5) Switch to a free OpenRouter model

Try this first

Short version

Try this first

If it still fails, paste these

Next step

Next step, reinstall

During onboarding

After install finishes, run these