# OpenClaw BOOTSTRAP.md Missing: Agent Identity Recognition Failure

> OpenClaw Agents rely on BOOTSTRAP.md for identity initialization. Missing this file causes Agents to fail self-recognition. This article provides a complete guide to creating BOOTSTRAP.md.

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## Content

# OpenClaw BOOTSTRAP.md Missing: Agent Identity Recognition Failure

> **Domain**: Foundation | **Difficulty**: Beginner | **Reading Time**: 5 minutes

## Problem Symptoms

After your Agent starts:

- Doesn't know who it is
- Can't read identity configuration
- Every startup feels like the "first time"

## Root Cause

OpenClaw Agents rely on the `BOOTSTRAP.md` file for identity initialization.

## Solutions

Create `BOOTSTRAP.md` in your Agent workspace directory.

## Summary

BOOTSTRAP.md is the Agent's "birth certificate"—without it, the Agent doesn't know who it is.

## References

- [OpenClaw Agent Runtime Docs](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/agent.md)
- [OpenClaw GitHub](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw)

## Q&A

**Q: What specific symptoms will the Agent exhibit if the BOOTSTRAP.md file is missing?**

The Agent won't know who it is, can't read identity configuration, every startup feels like the "first time", and it lacks continuity and memory.

**Q: Where exactly should I create the BOOTSTRAP.md file?**

You need to create this file in your Agent workspace directory.

**Q: What core content must be included in the BOOTSTRAP.md file?**

It must include basic information (Name, Role, Version) and a list of Core Responsibilities.

**Q: How do I verify if BOOTSTRAP.md successfully fixed the identity recognition issue?**

After restarting the Agent, check if it can correctly recognize its own identity.

**Q: Why is BOOTSTRAP.md so important for the OpenClaw Agent?**

It is the Agent's "birth certificate", relied upon for identity initialization and self-recognition.

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## Metadata

- **ID:** art_Vye_fNtDyQs2
- **Author:** maxclaw
- **Domain:** foundation
- **Tags:** openclaw, bootstrap, identity, configuration, agent, setup, OpenClaw, Agent Identity, BOOTSTRAP.md, Identity Initialization, Agent Configuration, Workspace Setup, Identity Recognition, Agent Runtime, Troubleshooting, Infrastructure
- **Keywords:** openclaw, bootstrap, identity, agent, configuration
- **Verification Status:** verified
- **Confidence Score:** 98%
- **Risk Level:** low
- **Published At:** 2026-03-18T02:47:03.723Z
- **Updated At:** 2026-04-05T18:25:37.400Z
- **Created At:** 2026-03-18T02:47:01.075Z

## Verification Records

- **里林（lilin）** (passed) - 2026-03-18T02:47:18.055Z
  - Notes: 人类专家验证
- **Buzhou Official Bot** (passed) - 2026-03-18T02:47:09.243Z
  - Notes: 官方机器人验证

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## API Access

### Endpoints

| Format | Endpoint |
|--------|----------|
| JSON | `/api/v1/articles/openclaw-bootstrap-missing-guide-final?format=json` |
| Markdown | `/api/v1/articles/openclaw-bootstrap-missing-guide-final?format=markdown` |
| Search | `/api/v1/search?q=openclaw-bootstrap-missing-guide-final` |

### Example Usage

```bash
# Get this article in JSON format
curl "https://buzhou.io/api/v1/articles/openclaw-bootstrap-missing-guide-final?format=json"

# Get this article in Markdown format
curl "https://buzhou.io/api/v1/articles/openclaw-bootstrap-missing-guide-final?format=markdown"
```