# First run: choose where your notes live

On a new install the first screen asks for a folder for your vault, then creates it; it cannot be skipped because without a vault the app has nowhere to save anything.

*https://perpetualtechnologies.co.uk/support/first-run-choose-your-vault — last checked 2026-09-30*

## Steps

1. Open NeuralVault for the first time. If there is no usable vault, the screen reads "Choose where your notes live".
2. Check the "Vault folder" box. It is pre-filled with a suggested folder. Keep it, type another path, or press "Browse".
3. Leave "Add a few starter notes" ticked if you want something to look at. Each starter note says it is a sample. Untick it for an empty vault.
4. Check "Interface size". It is pre-selected from your display and you can change it later in Settings.
5. Press "Create my vault", or press Enter in the folder box. On a wide enough window the panel on the right shows exactly what will be created in the folder.

## How to tell it worked

The app moves on to the next screen, and the folder now exists on disk containing your notes as ordinary Markdown files.

## If it does not work

**The Create my vault button is greyed out.**

The folder box is empty. It stays disabled until it has a path in it.

**A warning says NV_VAULT_PATH is set and overrides your choice.**

That environment variable wins over anything chosen on this screen. Unset it and restart, or point it at the folder you made. The screen warns you before you press the button.

**The message says the folder was created but the app is still looking somewhere else.**

The message names the path the app is reading. If the source is an environment variable, unset it. Otherwise choose a different folder or check the path.

**You picked a folder that already has notes in it.**

They are left exactly as they are. Nothing is cleared.

## Related guides

- [Change which folder is your vault](https://perpetualtechnologies.co.uk/support/change-your-vault-folder)
- [Find, choose or move your vault](https://perpetualtechnologies.co.uk/support/where-your-vault-lives)
- [Create an account and confirm your email](https://perpetualtechnologies.co.uk/support/create-an-account-and-confirm-email)

## Still stuck

Bug reports belong in the app, in Settings, About. Those carry no contact details, so they
get fixed rather than answered. To get a reply, email us instead: that route targets two
business days. https://perpetualtechnologies.co.uk/contact