TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is ZeroClaw?
• What can you do with ZeroClaw?
• How to install ZeroClaw
• Resources

What is ZeroClaw?

ZeroClaw is a lightweight, self-hosted runtime system for running autonomous AI agents locally, without relying on cloud infrastructure. It lets you deploy a personal AI assistant that runs on their own hardware with minimal resource usage, while maintaining privacy and avoiding ongoing API costs. 

After ordering your Contabo VPS/VDS, you'll receive your credentials in your order confirmation email. The initial password for your 1-Click application will be the one you set during the order process. You can also find all your login information anytime in the Contabo Customer Panel, under the detailed view of your VPS/VDS

What can you do with ZeroClaw?

ZeroClaw allows you to: 

• Run a fully autonomous AI assistant locally on your own hardware
• Automate workflows
• Manage memory and data entirely on your computer for full privacy and control.

How to install ZeroClaw

Below you will find guidelines on installing ZeroClaw. Note: After installation, Zeroclaw is configured via SSH. See How Do I Set Up a SSH Connection? 

⚠️ Firewall Notice: If you are using the Contabo Firewall, ensure that port 22 (SSH) is open to connect to your server. 

Step 1: Log in to the Customer Control Panel

1. Log in to the Customer Control Panel.

2. Navigate to Servers & Hosting - VPS/VDS.

3. Locate the VPS/VDS where you want to install ZeroClaw.

Step 2: Start the installation

1. Click the Quick Action (⋮) menu next to the VPS/VDS.

2. Select Reinstall.

Step 3: Select Application Installation

1. In the installation window, switch to the Application Installation tab.

2. From the application list, select ZeroClaw.

Step 4: Set the admin password

1. Enter an Admin Password.

   • Make sure to store the password. This password is required to access the server via SSH.

2. Review the information note:

   • Contabo provides technical support for the VPS/VDS 
   • For ZeroClaw configuration and usage, please refer to the ZeroClaw documentation.

Step 5: Start the installation

1. Click Install to begin.

2. ZeroClaw will be installed.

⏳ The installation may take several minutes.

Step 6: Connect to your VPS/VDS via SSH

ZeroClaw runs securely on the server and does not expose a public web interface by default. To continue the setup, you must connect to your server using SSH.
If you are not familiar with SSH, follow this guide first: How Do I Set Up a SSH Connection?
 

Connect using SSH

1. Open a terminal on your computer.
2. Connect to your VPS/VDS using the root user and your server’s IP address:
   
   

ssh root@<your-server-ip>

Enter the root password you set during installation when prompted.

⚠️If you see a warning like the following:

WARNING: REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED!

This usually means the server was recently reinstalled. 

You can fix it with the following prompt:

ssh-keygen -R <your-server-ip/hostname*>

*Enter either your server's IP or hostname, depending on what you used previously to connect.

Then reconnect with the following prompt:

ssh root@<your-server-ip/hostname>

*Enter either your server's IP or hostname, depending on what you used previously to connect.

Once connected, you will see a terminal session running on your VPS/VDS.

Step 7: Start the ZeroClaw onboarding wizard

ZeroClaw is installed during provisioning but not started automatically. After logging in via SSH, run the following command manually:

zeroclaw onboard

This launches the interactive ZeroClaw onboarding wizard. Follow the instructions in the onboarding wizard to configure your agent. 

Resources

• ZeroClaw documentation