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name: vps-bootstrap description: Bootstrap a fresh VPS from zero to a fully operational OpenClaw deployment, with backup/restore and post-recovery verification. Use when setting up OpenClaw on a new VPS, recovering from a failed server, migrating between machines, or automating disaster recovery. Covers system dependencies, Node.js, Chrome, OpenClaw install, security hardening, backup to Google Drive, restore from backup, and full verification suite.

VPS Bootstrap

Full deployment and disaster recovery framework for OpenClaw on Ubuntu VPS.

Overview

Three scripts handle the complete lifecycle:

1. bootstrap.sh — Fresh VPS → fully operational OpenClaw (15-20 min)
2. restore.sh — Restore workspace, config, secrets, and crons from backup
3. verify.sh — Post-deployment verification (all-green = ready)

Quick Start

New VPS setup

# On fresh Ubuntu 24.04 VPS
bash scripts/bootstrap.sh

Restore from backup

bash scripts/restore.sh ~/openclaw-backup-*.tar.gz

Verify everything works

bash scripts/verify.sh

What bootstrap.sh does

Sequential installation with error handling at each step:

1. System packages — build-essential, curl, git, jq, unzip, etc.
2. Node.js — Latest LTS via NodeSource
3. Google Chrome — Stable channel + headless shim for browser tools
4. OpenClaw — Global npm install + gateway service setup
5. Security baseline — UFW firewall, fail2ban, SSH key-only auth
6. Service setup — systemd user service with auto-restart + linger

Each step is idempotent — safe to re-run if interrupted.

What restore.sh does

Extracts a backup tarball and restores:

• Workspace files (SOUL.md, MEMORY.md, AGENTS.md, memory/, scripts/)
• OpenClaw config (openclaw.json, .env)
• Cron database
• GPG keys + password store (encrypted secrets)
• OAuth credentials (GOG, rclone)
• System config snapshot

What verify.sh does

Runs 10+ checks and reports pass/fail:

• OpenClaw gateway running and healthy
• Telegram/Discord providers connected
• Browser tools functional
• Backup system operational
• Cron jobs loaded
• SSH security baseline
• Disk space and memory

Backup Script (Optional)

For automated daily backups, see references/backup-guide.md.

Customization

Edit scripts/bootstrap.sh variables at the top:

OPENCLAW_PORT=18789        # Gateway port
ENABLE_FIREWALL=true       # UFW setup
ENABLE_FAIL2BAN=true       # SSH protection
INSTALL_CHROME=true        # Browser tools support

Requirements

• Ubuntu 22.04+ or Debian 12+
• Root or sudo access
• 2GB+ RAM recommended
• SSH key access configured

Security Notes

• Scripts never store secrets in plaintext in the skill itself
• GPG keys are backed up encrypted
• SSH is hardened to key-only authentication
• Gateway binds to localhost by default