CONFIG • OpenClaw quick fix

Agent suddenly can’t read files

File access often breaks when onboarding switches tools.profile to a restrictive mode such as messaging-only.

In simple words: Make a safe copy if the step could change your setup, try the smallest check, then confirm OpenClaw is back to normal before doing more. The source link and commands stay below for people who want the technical detail.

Checklist

Inspect openclaw.json: does tools.profile exist and is it too restrictive?

Run a tiny file-read test (known file) to confirm tool access end-to-end.

Restart the gateway and re-test — many ‘it’s broken’ states are stale runtime state.

Success looks like

• You should be able to read a known file and see its contents in the response.

• After restarting, gateway/tool access should behave consistently across runs (no intermittent denial).

Source: X post · link

Before the next risky OpenClaw change

Turn this quick fix into a repeatable rollback path.

If this touches tokens, providers, upgrades, plugins, or shared-agent settings, do the free check first — then use a verified snapshot and one restore drill before trusting unattended work again.

What openclaw.json Mastery adds

pre-change snapshot checklist
restore-drill steps before the real incident
gateway/config smoke test before agents run again

Use the free fix when: you only need to unblock this one low-risk change and can write the backup label, smoke result, and rollback trigger in your own notes.

Buy when: this same risk will happen again, another person needs to repeat the fix, or you want a purchase-to-first-GREEN receipt, restore drill, and written rollback record before agents run unattended.

Do not buy yet if: you have not tried the free checklist, you need live support, or you are not ready to make a verified backup before changing a working setup.

Use openclaw.json Mastery before the risky change →

Free fix first; buy the playbook only when the rollback path needs a repeatable first-GREEN proof record.

Have a high‑value nugget? Submit it.