Free diagnostic
Run the free layered diagnostic first
The script is read-only. It checks Runtime, Project, Electron, Native modules, Build Tools, and Voice stack, then prints OK, CHECK, BROKEN, and NEXT ACTION lines.
Run the PowerShell diagnostic
Download the script from GitHub, then point it at the broken project folder.
Invoke-WebRequest https://raw.githubusercontent.com/wiaikit/wiaikit-windows-ai-coding-setup-repair/main/wiaikit-windows-ai-coding-setup-check.ps1 -OutFile .\wiaikit-windows-ai-coding-setup-check.ps1
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\wiaikit-windows-ai-coding-setup-check.ps1 -ProjectPath C:\openwhispr
Start with the first BROKEN or CHECK layer. The paid kit maps those layers to the recovery path.
Confirm Node.js and npm are visible
If npm is not recognized, the current terminal probably does not have Node.js on PATH.
node -v
npm -v
where node
where npm
Expected: Node.js 24+ and a real path for both node and npm. If Node works but npm does not, close PowerShell, open a new one, and test again.
Check the project install state
Run this from the project folder only. It should finish without reinstalling Node.js globally.
npm install
npm run dev
If Electron says it failed to install correctly, the full kit gives a clean reinstall path for the Electron package.
Identify native-module failures
Native dependencies often need prebuilt binaries. When prebuilds are unavailable, Windows may need Visual Studio Build Tools or MinGW-w64.
npm ls better-sqlite3
npm rebuild
Do not install build tools blindly. First check whether the failing package has a prebuilt binary for your Node and Electron version.
Understand Push-to-Talk fallback mode
windows-key-listener fallback mode means the app can still use a fallback approach, but a compiled native listener may be unavailable.
# If the app still runs, test the fallback first.
# If hotkeys fail, then check build tools or tap mode.
The paid kit includes the practical decision order: when to accept fallback, when to compile locally, and when to switch mode.
When the full kit is worth it
Buy it if you hit one of these: npm is not recognized, Electron failed to install correctly, native module rebuild errors, or Push-to-Talk listener fallback that breaks your workflow.
Get the full recovery kit for 13 USD
Independent practical material. Not an official OpenAI, Codex, or OpenWhispr product.