Module 2: Setup Like a ProLesson 5 of 6

Config Validation Checklist

Config Validation Checklist

Let's verify your setup is correct.

Interactive Checklist

Run each command and check the box when it passes:

1. OpenClaw Installation

openclaw --version
  • Shows version number (e.g., "1.x.x")

2. Workspace Structure

ls workspace/
  • SOUL.md exists
  • USER.md exists
  • AGENTS.md exists
  • MEMORY.md exists
  • memory/ directory exists

3. Configuration

openclaw config validate
  • No errors shown
  • API key is configured
  • Default model is set

4. Gateway Start

openclaw gateway start
  • Gateway starts without errors
  • Shows "Ready" message

5. Basic Chat

openclaw chat
  • Can send a message
  • Receives a response
  • Agent knows its name (from SOUL.md)

6. Memory Write Test

Tell your agent: "Remember that I prefer dark mode"

  • Agent acknowledges
  • Check: cat workspace/memory/daily/*.md
  • The preference is recorded

7. Memory Read Test

Start a NEW session, ask: "What are my preferences?"

  • Agent remembers dark mode preference

Troubleshooting

"Command not found" → Run: npm install -g openclaw

"Invalid API key" → Check config.yaml, ensure key is quoted

"Gateway won't start" → Check if port 3000 is in use: lsof -i :3000

"Agent doesn't remember" → Check AGENTS.md has memory rules → Verify memory/daily/*.md is being written

All Passed?

If you checked all boxes, your setup is ready!

If not, fix the failing items before continuing.