Common Issues

This guide covers the most common issues users encounter with Sidian and provides step-by-step solutions to resolve them quickly.

AI Features Not Working

If Sidian's AI features aren't responding or working properly:

Authentication Issues

AI features require authentication

• Check if you're signed in (look for account status in sidebar)
• Try signing out and signing back in
• Verify your subscription is active
• Clear browser cache if using web authentication

Network Connectivity

Cloud AI models require internet connection

• For cloud models: Check your internet connection
• For local models: Verify local AI server is running (Ollama/LM Studio)
• Verify firewall isn't blocking Sidian
• Try disabling VPN temporarily if using cloud models
• Check if corporate proxy is interfering

Configuration Problems

Check AI model and provider settings

• Verify API keys are correctly configured
• Check if selected AI model is available
• Try switching to a different AI provider
• Reset AI settings to defaults

MCP Server Issues

Problems with Model Context Protocol servers:

Server Won't Start

• Check if Node.js is installed and accessible
• Verify the server package is installed: npm list -g
• Check the MCP configuration file syntax
• Look at server logs for specific error messages
• Try manually running the server command in terminal

Permission Errors

• Ensure Sidian has read/write access to configured directories
• Check file system permissions on project folders
• Run Sidian as administrator if necessary (Windows)
• Verify the MCP configuration file is readable

Server Keeps Crashing

• Update the MCP server package to latest version
• Check for conflicting Node.js versions
• Increase timeout values in configuration
• Monitor system resources (CPU, memory)
• Check server logs for error patterns

Performance Issues

Slow Startup

• Disable unnecessary extensions
• Clear extension cache
• Reduce the number of open files
• Check for large files in workspace
• Update to latest Sidian version

High Memory Usage

• Close unused files and tabs
• Disable memory-intensive extensions
• Reduce file watcher scope
• Clear search and symbol caches
• Restart Sidian periodically

High CPU Usage

• Check for runaway extensions
• Disable real-time features temporarily
• Reduce AI suggestion frequency
• Close resource-intensive terminals
• Monitor background processes

File and Editor Issues

Files Not Loading

• Check file permissions
• Verify file path is correct
• Try refreshing the file explorer
• Check if file is locked by another process
• Restart Sidian if files appear corrupted

Auto-save Not Working

• Check auto-save settings in preferences
• Verify file permissions for writing
• Ensure sufficient disk space
• Check if file is read-only
• Try manual save to test write permissions

Search Not Finding Files

• Check search exclude patterns
• Verify file extensions are not filtered
• Try rebuilding search index
• Check if files are in .gitignore
• Clear search cache and restart

Extension Issues

Extension Won't Install

• Check internet connection
• Verify extension compatibility
• Clear extension cache
• Try installing from VSIX file
• Check available disk space

Extension Errors

• Check extension logs in output panel
• Disable conflicting extensions
• Update extension to latest version
• Reset extension settings
• Report issue to extension author

Extension Not Loading

• Check if extension is enabled
• Verify extension dependencies
• Try reloading window (Ctrl+Shift+P → Reload Window)
• Check for extension updates
• Reinstall the extension

Git Integration Issues

Git Commands Failing

• Verify Git is installed and in PATH
• Check repository status
• Ensure proper Git configuration
• Try Git operations in terminal
• Check file permissions

Merge Conflicts

• Use built-in merge conflict resolver
• Check for conflicting changes
• Ensure all changes are staged
• Try manual conflict resolution
• Use external merge tools if needed

Push/Pull Issues

• Check remote repository access
• Verify authentication credentials
• Check network connectivity
• Try Git operations in terminal
• Update Git to latest version

Terminal Issues

Terminal Won't Open

• Check default shell configuration
• Verify shell executable exists
• Try different shell (bash, zsh, PowerShell)
• Check terminal settings
• Reset terminal configuration

Commands Not Found

• Check PATH environment variable
• Verify command installation
• Try full path to executable
• Check shell configuration files
• Restart terminal session

Terminal Display Issues

• Check terminal font settings
• Verify color scheme configuration
• Try different terminal renderer
• Check for Unicode support
• Reset terminal appearance settings

Debugging Issues

Debugger Won't Start

• Check debug configuration
• Verify debugger installation
• Check launch.json syntax
• Try different debug adapter
• Check port availability

Breakpoints Not Working

• Verify source maps are correct
• Check if code is optimized
• Try setting breakpoints after start
• Check debugger attachment
• Verify file paths match

Variables Not Showing

• Check debug console for errors
• Verify variable scope
• Try different debug adapter
• Check expression syntax
• Restart debugging session

Getting Additional Help

Documentation

• Check official documentation at docs.sidian.dev
• Check extension documentation

Community Support

• Join Sidian Discord server
• Search Stack Overflow

Direct Support

• Contact support@sidian.dev
• Include error logs and screenshots
• Describe steps to reproduce
• Mention your system configuration

Diagnostic Information

When reporting issues, include:

• Sidian version
• Operating system
• Error messages
• Steps to reproduce
• Extension list
• System specifications

Most issues can be resolved by following these troubleshooting steps. If problems persist, don't hesitate to reach out to the community or support team.