Context Death & Recovery

Context death is session memory loss from resets, crashes, or transcript issues. ClawVault is built to make this recoverable.

Core Recovery Cycle

1. Save state while working:

clawvault checkpoint --working-on "auth rollout" --focus "token edge cases"

2. Check/clear recovery state:

clawvault recover --check
clawvault recover --clear

3. Start with stitched context:

clawvault wake

4. End with explicit handoff:

clawvault sleep "implemented auth middleware" --next "write tests"

Useful Commands

clawvault recap --brief
clawvault recover --list
clawvault repair-session --dry-run
clawvault repair-session

Hook-Assisted Recovery (OpenClaw)

openclaw hooks install clawvault
openclaw hooks enable clawvault
openclaw hooks list --verbose
openclaw hooks info clawvault
openclaw hooks check

Then restart gateway and validate with:

clawvault compat --strict

Why This Works

• checkpoint captures in-flight state
• recover identifies unclean exits and latest recoverable context
• wake combines recovery + recap for a fresh session start
• OpenClaw hooks automate key lifecycle points (gateway:startup, command:new, session:start)

Troubleshooting

no useful recovery context

• ensure periodic checkpoint usage
• confirm hook install/enable if using OpenClaw automation
• run clawvault doctor and clawvault compat --strict

transcript corruption

clawvault repair-session --dry-run
clawvault repair-session