When memory_search fails due to a missing node:sqlite module, it returns a raw low-level error object. The error message is not actionable, and the action field gives generic advice that does not help users resolve the issue.

Actual Error Response (verbatim)

"error": "SQLite support is unavailable in this Node runtime (missing node:sqlite). No such built-in module: node:sqlite", "warning": "Memory search is unavailable due to an embedding/provider error.", 2. No Node version information: The error does not tell users what Node version is required or whether the current version supports node:sqlite. 3. Conflates two different problems: "embedding/provider error" implies an API key or network issue. Missing node:sqlite is a Node build/runtime issue — completely different root cause. Return a more actionable error: "error": "node:sqlite module is not available in this Node.js runtime.",

TL;DR

To fix the memory_search failure due to a missing node:sqlite module, ensure your Node.js binary is compiled with SQLite support or use a pre-built OpenClaw distribution.

Guidance

• Verify your Node.js version is 22.5 or higher, as node:sqlite was stabilized in this version.
• Check if your Node.js binary was compiled with SQLite support, which is required for node:sqlite to work.
• Consider using a pre-built OpenClaw distribution that includes SQLite support to avoid compilation issues.
• Emit a one-time startup warning when node:sqlite is unavailable to inform users that memory search is disabled.

Example

A more actionable error response, as proposed, could look like this:

{
  "results": [],
  "disabled": true,
  "unavailable": true,
  "error": "node:sqlite module is not available in this Node.js runtime.",
  "context": {
    "nodeVersion": "v22.12.0",
    "requirement": "Node 22.5+ compiled with SQLite support",
    "docLink": "https://docs.openclaw.ai/memory/setup"
  },
  "action": "Ensure your Node.js binary is compiled with SQLite support, or use a pre-built OpenClaw distribution. See: https://docs.openclaw.ai/memory/setup"
}

Notes

The availability of node:sqlite depends on the Node.js version and whether the binary was compiled with SQLite support. This solution may not apply to environments where the Node.js binary cannot be modified or updated.

Recommendation

Apply the workaround by using a pre-built OpenClaw distribution that includes SQLite support, as this is a more reliable solution than relying on the availability of node:sqlite in the Node.js runtime.