Verify the first Hermes conversation before connecting apps

Before you start

• Hermes installed using the current official instructions
• A compatible model provider configured privately

Prepare a harmless fixture

Create a dedicated folder with hello.txt containing an arbitrary phrase, such as green orbit 47. Do not place credentials, private documents or personal memory in it. Record the installed version, host and chosen model without recording its key.

Run in stages

1. Complete hermes setup following the current quickstart and start a normal conversation before enabling a gateway.
2. Ask for a short response without tools. If this fails, diagnose provider connectivity before testing files.
3. Ask the agent to read only the test file and quote the phrase. Inspect the tool result and resolved file path, not only its final claim.
4. Start a fresh session and repeat the controlled task. Then add one external connection at a time.

Accept or diagnose

Keep the model response and read-tool result as separate evidence. A correct guessed phrase without a tool result does not verify file access. If the tool reads another directory, stop and correct the workspace. If authentication fails, use the provider setup flow; never paste keys into a public issue.

Evidence and limits

Official documentation checked

• Original BotClaw acceptance procedure based on linked official documentation. Product commands were not executed; check your installed version.

Sources

• https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/getting-started/quickstart