# Setup

> Run first-time Dex onboarding: build the vault structure, capture the user profile and configure MCPs. Use when `System/.onboarding-complete` is absent or the user says 'set up Dex', 'start onboarding'. Not for the post-onboarding tour; use `getting-started`. Not for a mid-life role change; use `reset`.

- Skill: `davekilleen/setup` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add davekilleen/setup`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/davekilleen/setup/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: davekilleen (https://skillmd.com/u/davekilleen)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/davekilleen/setup

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# Set Up Dex

If `System/.onboarding-complete` already exists, setup is complete. Use `getting-started` for the
post-onboarding tour or `reset` for a role or preference change.

One narrow existing-vault repair is allowed: if setup is complete but
`System/.dex/harness-profile.json` is missing or Doctor says agent harness capabilities are
OFF, do not restart onboarding. Call `inspect_harnesses`, show the automatic / on-demand /
guided / unavailable preview and each host's named limits, ask the person to confirm one or more harnesses, then call
`save_harness_selection(..., confirmed=true)`. That tool writes only the harness receipt
through the sanctioned provision transaction and leaves the profile, content and onboarding
marker unchanged.

Otherwise:

1. Call `start_onboarding_session()` from `onboarding-mcp` to initialize or resume
   the session.
2. Read `core/onboarding/FLOW.md` and follow it as the single source of the
   onboarding conversation.

This file deliberately contains no question script, so onboarding cannot fork.
Change onboarding in `core/onboarding/FLOW.md` and `onboarding-mcp`, then regenerate
the byte-identical `.claude/flows/onboarding.md` compatibility copy; never fork the
question script here.