Troubleshooting

Common issues and how to fix them.

Installation Issues

"node: command not found"

Node.js isn't installed or the terminal can't find it.

Fix: Install Node.js from nodejs.org (LTS version)
Then: Close and reopen Cursor's terminal

"npm: command not found"

Same cause as above - Node.js installs npm automatically.

Fix: Install Node.js, then restart the terminal

"claude: command not found"

Claude Code isn't installed or the terminal can't find it.

Fix: Run npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
Then: Close and reopen the terminal
Still broken? Try opening a completely new Cursor window

Permission errors during install (Mac)

macOS sometimes blocks global npm installs.

Fix: Use sudo: sudo npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
Enter your Mac login password when prompted

Permission errors during install (Windows)

Windows needs administrator access for global installs.

Fix: Close Cursor. Right-click Cursor icon, choose "Run as administrator". Try the install again.

Git and GitHub Issues

"Authentication failed" when cloning

The access token in the clone URL has expired or is incorrect.

Fix: Get the latest clone URL from the Circle community post
Make sure you copy the complete URL including the token

Windows: Password prompt during clone

Windows Git Credential Manager intercepts the authentication.

Fix: Use the Windows-specific clone prompt that includes -c credential.helper=
See the Clone Brain Template guide for the exact command

"Repository not found"

Either the URL is wrong or you don't have access.

Fix: Double-check the URL from the Circle post
Make sure your GitHub account is set up

Claude Code Issues

Claude isn't reading my brain files

Claude reads files from the folder open in Cursor.

Fix: Make sure you opened the brain folder: File > Open Folder > ~/Projects/brain
Verify: Ask Claude "What folder are you in?"

Claude logged into wrong account

You may have selected "Anthropic Console account" instead of "Claude Code account with subscription".

Fix: Run claude logout then claude and choose the correct login option

Claude seems slow or unresponsive

Large operations (reading many files, running complex scripts) take time.

Fix: Wait a moment. If truly stuck, press Ctrl + C and start again

"Rate limit exceeded"

You've hit your Claude usage limit for the current period.

Fix: Wait for the limit to reset, or upgrade your Claude plan

Update Issues

/update says "no updates available"

You're already on the latest version.

Check: The Circle community for the latest release announcement

Something broke after updating

Your pre-update backup exists in z-backup/.

Fix: Ask Claude: "Restore my brain from the latest backup in z-backup"

Windows-Specific Issues

WSL not working

Windows Subsystem for Linux may need to be enabled.

Fix: Open PowerShell as Admin and run: wsl --install
Restart your computer after installation

Line ending issues

Windows uses different line endings than Mac/Linux.

Fix: Ask Claude: "Fix line endings in my brain files"
Or configure Git: git config --global core.autocrlf input

Still Stuck?

Post in the Ads to AI Circle community with:

What you were trying to do
The exact error message
Your operating system (Mac/Windows/Linux)

The community is friendly and someone will help you out.