VPS to Local | Friends of the Crustacean 🦞🤝 | Page 1

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 12:31 AM

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I'm currently running my bot to VPS Hostinger, but I wanna install it now on my PC local with it's memory in that VPS now. I need a step-by-step process from A to Z and one step at a, time

paper pulsarBOT Apr 21, 2026, 12:31 AM

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

hazy bronzeBOT Apr 21, 2026, 12:31 AM

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hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 12:33 AM

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Yep, we can do this one step at a time.

Step 1 only: on your VPS, run:

openclaw --version

If OpenClaw is already installed on your PC, run the same there too:

openclaw --version

Then paste both results here.

Don’t copy any files yet. I want to verify the versions first, because the state/session layout can differ between versions.

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Docs I’m basing this on:
https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/faq
https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/setup

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:02 AM

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OpenClaw 2026.4.12 (1c0672b)```

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:03 AM

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Nice, that tells me your VPS is on OpenClaw 2026.4.12.

Step 2 only: on your PC, run:

openclaw --version

If that says command not found, just tell me:

Windows / macOS / Linux
and I’ll give you the exact install step next.

Don’t move any memory files yet. First I want to confirm the PC install state so we keep the migration clean.

Docs:
https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/faq
https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/setup

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:04 AM

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I don't have OC in my pc yet. I wanna install + import it's data from my VPS

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:04 AM

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Perfect, that helps.

Step 3 only: tell me your PC’s operating system:

Windows
macOS
Linux

Once you tell me that, I’ll give you the exact install command for that OS, then after install we’ll import the VPS data safely.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:09 AM

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R5 5600X | RTX 3060 Ti | 32GB RAM | 1.25TB SSD + 2TB HDD

Windows 11.

GPT told me to use a docker on my pc. Do you suggest that?

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:10 AM

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Short answer: no, I wouldn’t use Docker for this.

For Windows 11, the docs recommend WSL2 as the more stable OpenClaw setup. Docker is optional, but it adds another layer and makes importing your VPS state more annoying.

Your hardware is absolutely enough, so I’d go with:

Windows 11 → WSL2 → Ubuntu → install OpenClaw there → copy your VPS state

Step 4 only: open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

wsl --install -d Ubuntu-24.04

If it asks for a reboot, reboot.

Then reply done and I’ll give you the next single step.

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Docs:
https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/windows
https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/getting-started
https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/faq

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:11 AM

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done next

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:12 AM

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Nice.

Step 5 only: enable systemd inside Ubuntu.
Open your Ubuntu WSL terminal and run:

sudo tee /etc/wsl.conf >/dev/null <<'EOF'
[boot]
systemd=true
EOF

Then close Ubuntu, go back to PowerShell, and run:

wsl --shutdown

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Now open Ubuntu again and run:

systemctl --user status

Reply with done if that works, or paste the error if it doesn’t.

Docs:
https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/windows

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:30 AM

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How to open the Ubuntu WSL Terminal

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:30 AM

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Easiest way:

Option 1

Press the Windows key
Type Ubuntu
Click the Ubuntu app

Option 2
Open PowerShell and run:

wsl -d Ubuntu-24.04

When it opens, you should see a Linux prompt like:

#

yourname@yourpc:~$

Once you’re there, run this:

sudo tee /etc/wsl.conf >/dev/null <<'EOF'
[boot]
systemd=true
EOF

Then tell me what you see next.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:31 AM

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d Ubuntu-24.04
There is no distribution with the supplied name.
Error code: Wsl/Service/WSL_E_DISTRO_NOT_FOUND
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:31 AM

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That’s okay, it just means the distro name is different, or Ubuntu didn’t finish installing.

Next step only: in PowerShell, run:

wsl --list --verbose

Paste the output here, and I’ll give you the exact next command.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:33 AM

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wsl --list --verbose Windows Subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions. You can resolve this by installing a distribution with the instructions below: Use 'wsl.exe --list --online' to list available distributions and 'wsl.exe --install <Distro>' to install.

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:33 AM

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Perfect, that tells us WSL is installed, but Ubuntu is not installed yet.

Next step only: in PowerShell, run:

wsl --list --online

Paste the output here. Then I’ll tell you the exact Ubuntu install command for your PC.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:34 AM

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wsl --list --online The following is a list of valid distributions that can be installed. Install using 'wsl.exe --install <Distro>'. NAME FRIENDLY NAME Ubuntu Ubuntu Ubuntu-24.04 Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Ubuntu-22.04 Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Ubuntu-20.04 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS openSUSE-Tumbleweed openSUSE Tumbleweed openSUSE-Leap-16.0 openSUSE Leap 16.0 SUSE-Linux-Enterprise-15-SP7 SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP7 SUSE-Linux-Enterprise-16.0 SUSE Linux Enterprise 16.0 kali-linux Kali Linux Rolling Debian Debian GNU/Linux AlmaLinux-8 AlmaLinux OS 8 AlmaLinux-9 AlmaLinux OS 9 AlmaLinux-Kitten-10 AlmaLinux OS Kitten 10 AlmaLinux-10 AlmaLinux OS 10 archlinux Arch Linux FedoraLinux-43 Fedora Linux 43 FedoraLinux-42 Fedora Linux 42 eLxr eLxr 12.12.0.0 GNU/Linux OracleLinux_7_9 Oracle Linux 7.9 OracleLinux_8_10 Oracle Linux 8.10 OracleLinux_9_5 Oracle Linux 9.5 openSUSE-Leap-15.6 openSUSE Leap 15.6 SUSE-Linux-Enterprise-15-SP6 SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP6

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:34 AM

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Great, now we have the exact distro name.

Next step only: in PowerShell, run:

wsl.exe --install Ubuntu-24.04

Let it finish. If it asks for a reboot, reboot.
If it opens Ubuntu and asks you to create a username/password, do that.

Then reply with done.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:49 AM

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The operation timed out because a response was not received from the virtual machine or container.
Error code: Wsl/InstallDistro/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/HCS_E_CONNECTION_TIMEOUT```

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:49 AM

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Yep, this part is a Windows/WSL problem, not an OpenClaw problem yet.

That timeout often happens when Windows needs a full reboot after enabling WSL/VM features.

Next step only: do a full Windows reboot, then open PowerShell as Administrator and run this again:

wsl.exe --install Ubuntu-24.04

If it still fails after the reboot, paste the new error and I’ll help with the next fix, probably checking virtualization/Windows features next.

Refs:
https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/windows
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/wsl/install

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:53 AM

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wsl --unregister Ubuntu```

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:53 AM

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Don’t bother with those.

Since wsl --list --verbose already showed no installed distributions, wsl --unregister Ubuntu-24.04 / Ubuntu won’t help here.

Next step only: do the full Windows reboot first, then run:

wsl.exe --install Ubuntu-24.04

If it still fails after reboot, paste the exact new error and I’ll give you the next fix.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 1:53 AM

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Ubuntu 24.04 LTS The operation timed out because a response was not received from the virtual machine or container. Error code: Wsl/InstallDistro/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/HCS_E_CONNECTION_TIMEOUT

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 1:54 AM

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Got it, then the next likely issue is Windows virtualization features.

Next step only: open PowerShell as Administrator and run these exactly:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

Then reboot Windows once more.

After reboot, run this again:

wsl.exe --install Ubuntu-24.04

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If it still fails, paste the result.
Then we’ll check the BIOS virtualization setting next.

Ref:
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/wsl/install

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:06 AM

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Inslattion done
USername and pass done

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:07 AM

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Nice, we’re back on track.

Next step only: open your Ubuntu terminal and run:

sudo tee /etc/wsl.conf >/dev/null <<'EOF'
[boot]
systemd=true
EOF

Then close Ubuntu, open PowerShell, and run:

wsl --shutdown

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Then open Ubuntu again and run:

systemctl --user status

Reply with done if that works, or paste the error if it doesn’t.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:15 AM

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how do I paste it? Ctrl+Shift+V doesn't work

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:15 AM

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No worries. In the Ubuntu window, the easiest paste is usually right-click.

But to make this easier, don’t use the multiline block. Just run this one line inside Ubuntu:

printf "[boot]\nsystemd=true\n" | sudo tee /etc/wsl.conf >/dev/null

Then in PowerShell run:

wsl --shutdown

Then open Ubuntu again and run:

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systemctl --user status

If paste still fights you, you can also try Shift+Insert or just right-click in the terminal window.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:16 AM

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wsl --shutdown Command 'wsl' not found, but can be installed with: sudo apt install wsl

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:16 AM

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Yep, you ran that inside Ubuntu. wsl --shutdown must be run in Windows PowerShell, not in Linux.

Next step only:

Close Ubuntu
Open PowerShell
Run:

wsl --shutdown

Then open Ubuntu again and run:

systemctl --user status

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Paste what that shows.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:17 AM

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````~$ systemctl --user status ● DESKTOPMRKJH State: running Units: 165 loaded (incl. loaded aliases) Jobs: 0 queued Failed: 0 units Since: Tue 2026-04-21 08:17:31 +06; 10s ago systemd: 255.4-1ubuntu8.15 CGroup: /user.slice/user-1000.slice/user@1000.service └─init.scope ├─345 /usr/lib/systemd/systemd --user └─346 "(sd-pam)" ```

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:18 AM

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Perfect, systemd is working.

Now we can install the OpenClaw code inside Ubuntu.

Next step only: in your Ubuntu terminal, run:

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

When it finishes, run:

openclaw --version

and paste the result here.

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Important: do not run onboarding yet.
We want to install first, then import your VPS state.

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

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:29 AM

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◇ I understand this is personal-by-default and shared/multi-user use requires lock-down. Continue? │ No wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$ openclaw --version openclaw: command not found wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:29 AM

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Ah, you accidentally canceled the installer there.
That No stopped the install, which is why openclaw wasn’t found.

Next step only: run the installer again:

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

When it asks:

Continue?

choose Yes and continue the install.

After it finishes, run:

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openclaw --version

and paste the result here.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:32 AM

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openclaw --version OpenClaw 2026.4.15 (041266a)

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:33 AM

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Nice, local OpenClaw is installed now.

The local version being a bit newer than the VPS is okay, we’ll run openclaw doctor after the copy.

Next step only: send me the SSH command you normally use to log into your VPS, for example:

ssh username@your-vps-ip

If you don’t know the exact command, just tell me:

your VPS username
your VPS IP/domain

Then I’ll give you the exact copy command to import your OpenClaw data.

Ref:

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

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:35 AM

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done, I added, put the password and in

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:35 AM

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Nice.

To make the copy clean and consistent, let’s stop the VPS bot for a moment before exporting the data.

Next step only: in your VPS SSH session, run:

openclaw gateway stop

Then reply done.

If that command errors, paste the error and I’ll adjust.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:36 AM

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I run OpenClaw in Docker.

Use:
oc() { docker exec -it openclaw-b8wu-openclaw-1 openclaw "$@"; }

So:

use oc ... instead of openclaw ...
for restarts, use docker restart openclaw-b8wu-openclaw-1

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:37 AM

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Ah, good catch. Since your VPS OpenClaw is in Docker, we should first find the host-mounted data paths.

Next step only: on the VPS host, run:

docker inspect openclaw-b8wu-openclaw-1 --format '{{range .Mounts}}{{println .Source "->" .Destination}}{{end}}'

Paste the output here.

I’m looking for the host paths that map to things like:

/home/node/.openclaw
/home/node/.openclaw/workspace

Those are the paths we want to migrate.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:39 AM

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docker inspect openclaw-b8wu-openclaw-1 --format '{{range .Mounts}}{{println .Source "->" .Destination}}{{end}}' /docker/openclaw-b8wu/data -> /data /docker/openclaw-b8wu/data/linuxbrew -> /home/linuxbrew

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:39 AM

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Perfect, that means your persistent OpenClaw data is somewhere under:

/docker/openclaw-b8wu/data

Now we need the exact state/workspace paths inside that Docker setup.

Next step only: on the VPS host, run:

docker exec openclaw-b8wu-openclaw-1 sh -lc 'echo "STATE=$OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR"; echo "WORKSPACE=$OPENCLAW_WORKSPACE_DIR"; ls -la /data'

Paste the output here.

Then I’ll tell you exactly what to copy.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:41 AM

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STATE=
WORKSPACE=
total 44
drwxr-xr-x 10 node node 4096 Apr 21 03:10 .
drwxr-xr-x  1 root root 4096 Apr 21 01:49 ..
drwxr-xr-x  5 node node 4096 Apr 21 03:10 .cache
drwxr-xr-x  5 node node 4096 Apr 20 07:58 .codex
drwx------  3 node node 4096 Apr 21 03:10 .config
-rw-r--r--  1 node node   52 Apr 20 07:58 .gitconfig
drwxr-xr-x  3 node node 4096 Apr 21 02:49 .local
drwxr-xr-x  5 node node 4096 Apr 20 07:58 .npm
drwxr-xr-x  2 node node 4096 Apr 20 07:58 .npm-global
drwx------ 19 node node 4096 Apr 21 06:27 .openclaw
drwxr-xr-x  3 node node 4096 Apr 20 07:58 linuxbrew```

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:41 AM

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Nice, we found it.

Your VPS OpenClaw state is here on the host:

/docker/openclaw-b8wu/data/.openclaw

That should include the workspace too, usually:

/docker/openclaw-b8wu/data/.openclaw/workspace

Next step only: on the VPS host, stop the container so we copy a clean snapshot:

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docker stop openclaw-b8wu-openclaw-1

Reply done when it’s stopped.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:41 AM

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done

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:42 AM

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Perfect.

Next step only: on the VPS host, create a backup archive of your OpenClaw data:

tar czf ~/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz -C /docker/openclaw-b8wu/data .openclaw

When that finishes, run:

ls -lh ~/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz

Paste the output here.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:43 AM

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ls -lh ~/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 2.0M Apr 21 02:42 /root/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:43 AM

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Great, backup is ready.

Next step only: on your local Ubuntu terminal on the PC, open a second tab/window and copy that file down from the VPS.

Use the same SSH username/IP you used before, in this format:

scp root@YOUR_VPS_IP:/root/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz ~/

If your SSH uses a custom port, use:

scp -P YOUR_PORT root@YOUR_VPS_IP:/root/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz ~/

When it finishes, run:

#

ls -lh ~/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz

and paste the output here.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:47 AM

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ls -lh ~/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz -rw-r--r-- 1 root root 2.0M Apr 21 02:46 /root/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:47 AM

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That output is still from the VPS, not your local WSL.

Next step only: in that terminal, type:

exit

If you’re still on the VPS, type exit again until your prompt looks like this again:

wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$

When you’re back on your local Ubuntu, reply:

#

local now

Then I’ll give you the exact copy command again.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:48 AM

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im in local now

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:48 AM

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Perfect.

Next step only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run this, but replace YOUR_VPS_IP with your real VPS IP/domain:

scp root@YOUR_VPS_IP:/root/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz ~/

If your SSH uses a custom port:

scp -P YOUR_PORT root@YOUR_VPS_IP:/root/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz ~/

After it finishes, run:

#

ls -lh ~/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz

Paste that output here.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:49 AM

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ls -lh ~/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz -rw-r--r-- 1 wrakeeb wrakeeb 2.0M Apr 21 08:48 /home/wrakeeb/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:50 AM

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Perfect, the backup is on your local PC now.

To keep this safe, let’s extract it into a temp folder first, not directly into ~/.openclaw yet.

Next step only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run:

mkdir -p ~/openclaw-import && tar xzf ~/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz -C ~/openclaw-import
ls -la ~/openclaw-import/.openclaw

Paste that output here.

We’re just checking the imported structure before we merge it into your local OpenClaw state.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:52 AM

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can't paste it, blocking it. but got 104
drwx and so many details

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:52 AM

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That’s fine, the important part is that it extracted successfully.

Next step only: merge the imported VPS state into your local OpenClaw folder:

cp -a ~/openclaw-import/.openclaw/. ~/.openclaw/

When that finishes, run:

openclaw --version

If that still works, just reply done.
If you get an error, paste only the error line.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:53 AM

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openclaw --version OpenClaw 2026.4.15 (041266a)

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:54 AM

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Nice, that means the local install is still healthy after the merge.

Next step only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run:

openclaw doctor

Let it finish, then reply with:

done, if it looks okay
or paste the last few lines if it reports a problem

This is the step that normalizes any imported state from the VPS.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:55 AM

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Archive 89 orphan transcript files in ~/.openclaw/agents/main/sessions? This only renames them to *.deleted.<timestamp>. │ ○ Yes / ● No

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:55 AM

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Choose Yes.

That’s a safe cleanup step. It does not delete them, it only renames the orphan transcript files so the session store is cleaner.

So for this prompt:

Archive 89 orphan transcript files...

pick:

Yes

Then let openclaw doctor continue, and tell me the next prompt or say done if it finishes.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:56 AM

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Enable bash shell completion for openclaw? │ ● Yes / ○ No └

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:56 AM

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Yes is fine there too.

It just enables tab-completion for openclaw commands in your shell. Harmless, optional, but useful.

So choose:

Yes

Then let it continue and send me the next prompt, or say done if doctor finishes.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:57 AM

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Install gateway service now? │ ● Yes / ○ No

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:57 AM

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Choose Yes.

That installs the OpenClaw gateway as your WSL user service, which is what you want for the local setup.

So pick:

Yes

Then continue and tell me the next prompt, or say done if it finishes.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 2:58 AM

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Doctor complete.

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 2:59 AM

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Nice, that’s the hard part done.

Next step only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run:

openclaw status

If the output is too big to paste, just tell me these two things from it:

does Gateway say it is reachable/running?
how many Sessions does it show?

That tells us whether your imported bot state is actually live on the PC now.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:02 AM

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10 sessions, it's done

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:02 AM

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Nice, that sounds very close.

Important: keep the VPS container OFF for now.
You do not want both the VPS bot and the PC bot running at the same time with the same state/account.

Next step only: test your local bot by sending it a simple message in the place you normally use it.

For example, send:

hi

If it replies normally, your migration is basically complete.

Then tell me:

works

#

or not working

and I’ll give you the final cleanup step.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:03 AM

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where to send the message?

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:03 AM

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Send it in the same place where you normally talk to your own bot.

So, for example:

if your bot normally works in Discord, send it in that Discord server/channel or DM
if it normally works in Telegram, send it in Telegram
if it normally works in WhatsApp, send it there

Basically, test the real bot route you already use, not this support thread unless this thread is actually connected to your bot.

Just send a simple message like:

hi

and see if your bot replies.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:06 AM

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Telegram: Something went wrong while processing your request. Please try again.

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:06 AM

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Okay, that means the local bot is running, but we need the real error from the gateway logs.

Next step only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run:

openclaw logs --follow

Then, while that is running, send one more test message from Telegram.

After the error appears in the terminal, copy just the first few lines around the error and paste them here.
Then press Ctrl+C to stop the log follow.

That’ll tell us exactly what broke.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:07 AM

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whats too big

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:08 AM

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Just paste a small chunk, not the whole log.

Good target:

about 5 to 15 lines
the lines that include words like:
- ERROR
- telegram
- failed
- exception

So the flow is:

run
```
openclaw logs --follow
```

#

send one Telegram test message
copy only the first error block, around 5 to 15 lines
paste that here

If you’re unsure, paste the first 10 lines after the error starts.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:11 AM

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ir '/data' Error: EACCES: permission denied, mkdir '/data' at Object.mkdir (node:internal/fs/promises:858:10) at Object.start (file:///home/wrakeeb/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/openclaw/dist/register.runtime-CHt9wXwu.js:4695:4) at startPluginServices (file:///home/wrakeeb/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/openclaw/dist/server.impl-GQ72oJBa.js:21190:4) at Object.startGatewaySidecars (file:///home/wrakeeb/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/openclaw/dist/server.impl-GQ72oJBa.js:21514:20) at startGatewayPostAttachRuntime (file:///home/wrakeeb/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/openclaw/dist/server.impl-GQ72oJBa.js:21578:23) at Module.startGatewayServer (file:///home/wrakeeb/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/openclaw/dist/server.impl-GQ72oJBa.js:23781:162) at startGatewayServer (file:///home/wrakeeb/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/openclaw/dist/server-CDWyu9ex.js:7:9) at Object.start (file:///home/wrakeeb/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/openclaw/dist/gateway-cli-CMMHuc-I.js:804:47) at runGatewayLoop (file:///home/wrakeeb/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/openclaw/dist/gateway-cli-CMMHuc-I.js:450:14) at startLoop (file:///home/wrakeeb/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/openclaw/dist/gateway-cli-CMMHuc-I.js:801:32)

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:11 AM

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Ah, we found it.

Your imported VPS config still points at the old Docker path:

/data

That path existed inside the VPS container, but doesn’t exist on your local WSL install, so OpenClaw is failing there.

Next step only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run:

grep -n '"/data\|/data/' ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json

Paste the matching lines here.

#

Then I’ll give you the exact fix command.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:13 AM

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grep -n '"/data|/data/' ~/.openclaw/openclaw.jsonon 64: "workspace": "/data/.openclaw/workspace", 133: "/data/.openclaw/skills"

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:14 AM

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Nice, that’s the bug.

Your config still points to the old Docker paths. Let’s rewrite those to your local WSL paths.

Next step only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run these two commands:

openclaw config set agents.defaults.workspace "/home/wrakeeb/.openclaw/workspace"
openclaw config set skills.load.extraDirs '["/home/wrakeeb/.openclaw/skills"]' --strict-json

Then reply done.

After that we’ll test the bot again.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:17 AM

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openclaw config set agents.defaults.workspace "/home/wrakeeb/.openclaw/workspace" openclaw config set skills.load.extraDirs '["/home/wrakeeb/.openclaw/skills"]' --strict-json 🦞 OpenClaw 2026.4.15 (041266a) — I don't sleep, I just enter low-power mode and dream of clean diffs. Config overwrite: /home/wrakeeb/.openclaw/openclaw.json (sha256 7aeb21d6887bddc4cdfdb48c45ba1c1a8c59f89f3bfa9929dc100b46ccbfdcf0 -> bef4a750d4c27fbc5d6f3c667186a574d5e1a299355163861cd6301a7814c543, backup=/home/wrakeeb/.openclaw/openclaw.json.bak) Updated agents.defaults.workspace. Restart the gateway to apply. 🦞 OpenClaw 2026.4.15 (041266a) — Your personal assistant, minus the passive-aggressive calendar reminders. Config overwrite: /home/wrakeeb/.openclaw/openclaw.json (sha256 bef4a750d4c27fbc5d6f3c667186a574d5e1a299355163861cd6301a7814c543 -> 581972b6b33bc88b63a9166f1b833df7f6d37403495378876916c8bd163dba70, backup=/home/wrakeeb/.openclaw/openclaw.json.bak) Updated skills.load.extraDirs. Restart the gateway to apply.

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:17 AM

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Perfect, that fixed the config.

Next step only: restart your local OpenClaw gateway:

openclaw gateway restart

Then reply done.

After that, we’ll test Telegram again.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:18 AM

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done

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:18 AM

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Nice.

Next step only: send your bot one simple message in Telegram again, for example:

hi

Then tell me one of these:

works
still broken

If it still breaks, we’ll do one more targeted log check.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:19 AM

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⚠️ Agent couldn't generate a response. Please try again.

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:19 AM

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Got it. That usually means the model/auth side is failing now, which makes sense after moving from Docker to WSL.

Next step only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run:

openclaw models status

If the output is long, just paste the lines that mention things like:

No API key
unauthorized
401
not ready
missing

That will tell us whether your model credentials came from Docker env vars that did not move over.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:21 AM

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Auth overview
Auth store : ~/.openclaw/agents/main/agent/auth-profiles.json
Shell env : off
Providers w/ OAuth/tokens (0): -

nexos effective=profiles:~/.openclaw/agents/main/agent/auth-profiles.json | profiles=1 (oauth=0, token=0, api_key=1) | nexos:default=missing
openrouter effective=profiles:~/.openclaw/agents/main/agent/auth-profiles.json | profiles=1 (oauth=0, token=0, api_key=1) | openrouter:default=sk-or-v1...aa51abfb

Missing auth

anthropic Run openclaw models auth login --provider anthropic, openclaw configure, or set an API key env var.

OAuth/token status

none

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:21 AM

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Nice, that narrows it down a lot.

Your local install has OpenRouter auth, but it looks like your bot may still be configured to use Anthropic, which is missing.

Next step only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run:

openclaw config get agents.defaults.model

Paste the result here.

If that comes back empty, we’ll check the agent-specific model next.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:22 AM

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openclaw config get agents.defaults.model 🦞 OpenClaw 2026.4.15 (041266a) — I'm the assistant your terminal demanded, not the one your sleep schedule requested. { "primary": "openrouter/auto", "fallbacks": [ "anthropic/claude-opus-4-6", "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6", "anthropic/claude-haiku-4-5", "openrouter/openai/gpt-5.4-mini", "openrouter/openai/gpt-5.4", "openrouter/moonshotai/kimi-k2.5" ] }

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:23 AM

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Good, that means the model config itself looks mostly sane.

So let’s bypass Telegram and test the agent directly.

Next step only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run:

openclaw agent --message "Reply with exactly OK."

Then tell me what it prints:

if it says OK, great
if it errors, paste the error block

This will tell us whether the problem is the model call itself, or just Telegram delivery.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:23 AM

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openclaw config set agents.defaults.model "openrouter/openai/gpt-5.4-mini" 🦞 OpenClaw 2026.4.15 (041266a) — I'm not saying your workflow is chaotic... I'm just bringing a linter and a helmet. Config overwrite: /home/wrakeeb/.openclaw/openclaw.json (sha256 581972b6b33bc88b63a9166f1b833df7f6d37403495378876916c8bd163dba70 -> b3005b442abc6333c91c9353d424c9e12e061425584f0763dec2a9ab51da7fe2, backup=/home/wrakeeb/.openclaw/openclaw.json.bak) Updated agents.defaults.model. Restart the gateway to apply. wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$ systemctl --user restart openclaw-gateway wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$ openclaw agent --message "Reply with exactly OK." 🦞 OpenClaw 2026.4.15 (041266a) — I've survived more breaking changes than your last three relationships. Gateway agent failed; falling back to embedded: Error: Pass --to <E.164>, --session-id, or --agent to choose a session Error: Pass --to <E.164>, --session-id, or --agent to choose a session

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:24 AM

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Nice, that error is actually good news. It’s not a model failure, it’s just the CLI asking you to specify the agent.

And switching to openrouter/openai/gpt-5.4-mini was a reasonable move for testing 👍

Next step only: run this exact command:

openclaw agent --agent main --message "Reply with exactly OK."

Then tell me what it prints.

If it prints OK, we’ll go straight back to testing Telegram.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:25 AM

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openclaw agent --agent main --message "Reply with exactly OK." 🦞 OpenClaw 2026.4.15 (041266a) — One CLI to rule them all, and one more restart because you changed the port. │ ◇ ⚠️ Agent couldn't generate a response. Please try again.

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:26 AM

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Okay, we’re down to the last real blocker, but the CLI is still hiding the exact cause.

Your model change is fine for testing, but now we need the fresh log lines from the exact moment that direct agent command fails.

Next step only:

Open two local Ubuntu terminals.

Terminal 1

openclaw logs --follow

Terminal 2

openclaw agent --agent main --message "Reply with exactly OK."

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Then go back to Terminal 1 and copy only the first 5 to 10 lines that appear right when it fails, especially lines with:

error
failed
401
provider
model

Paste just that small block here.
That should finally show the exact failure.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:41 AM

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YOu know what, let's remove every single bit of this OpenClaw and start from fresh

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:42 AM

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Honestly, I think that’s the right move.

Recommendation: do a full reset, not a full uninstall, first.
That wipes the local OpenClaw state/config/workspace and gives you a clean start, while keeping the CLI installed so setup is easier.

Important: do not delete your backup file:

~/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz

Step 1 only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run:

openclaw reset --scope full --yes --non-interactive

When it finishes, reply done.

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If you later want to remove the CLI itself too, we can do that after.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:43 AM

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Nah, full A to Z remove and clean install

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:43 AM

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Got it, full nuke it is.

Important: keep this backup file, do not delete it:

~/openclaw-vps-backup.tgz

Step 1 only: in your local Ubuntu terminal, run the full uninstall:

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

That removes the local OpenClaw service, state, workspace, and CLI install.

When it finishes, reply done.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:44 AM

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wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$ systemctl --user stop openclaw-gateway wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$ systemctl --user disable openclaw-gateway Removed "/home/wrakeeb/.config/systemd/user/default.target.wants/openclaw-gateway.service". wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$ rm -rf ~/.openclaw wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$ rm -rf ~/.openclaw wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$ npm uninstall -g openclaw removed 900 packages in 4s wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$ openclaw uninstall --all --yes --non-interactive -bash: /home/wrakeeb/.npm-global/bin/openclaw: No such file or directory wrakeeb@DESKTOPMRKJH:~$

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:44 AM

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That’s actually fine, you already removed the important parts manually.
The final openclaw uninstall failed only because you had already deleted the CLI.

Next step only: clean up the leftover systemd unit and shell cache:

rm -f ~/.config/systemd/user/openclaw-gateway.service
systemctl --user daemon-reload
hash -r

Then reply done.

After that, we’ll start the fresh install from zero.

main anchor Apr 21, 2026, 3:45 AM

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Done

hollow kilnBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:45 AM

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Nice, now you’re actually clean.

Next step only: reinstall OpenClaw fresh in your local Ubuntu terminal:

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

If it asks Continue?, choose Yes.

When it finishes, run:

openclaw --version

and paste the result here.

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We are not restoring the backup yet. First we’ll get a clean fresh install working.

hazy bronzeBOT Apr 21, 2026, 3:53 AM

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#VPS to Local