How to fix OpenClaw 'Cannot find module' error after update

Problem: Missing module after OpenClaw update

Users updating OpenClaw from version 2026.3.24 to 2026.4.5 are encountering a Cannot find module '@buape/carbon' error. This issue was reportedly fixed in a pull request more than a week ago, but some installations still experience the problem.

Manually installing the missing package globally is not recommended, as it can cause dependency mismatches later.

Solution: Run the post-installation script manually

The fix involves manually executing a post-installation script that should have run automatically during the update process.

Steps to fix

1. Identify OpenClaw installation location:
   Run which openclaw to determine which package manager (pnpm or npm) manages your installation.
2. Find global installation directory:
   Run pnpm root -g or npm root -g depending on your package manager.
3. Navigate to OpenClaw directory:
   Run cd $(pnpm root -g)/openclaw or the npm equivalent.
4. Execute the post-install script:
   Run node scripts/postinstall-bundled-plugins.mjs
5. Wait for completion:
   The script runs without showing logs. Wait for it to finish.
6. Verify the fix:
   Run openclaw doctor to confirm the installation is working correctly.

This approach ensures dependencies are installed correctly without creating version mismatches that can occur with manual package installation.