feat: let the operator pause and resume a root's indexing (MNP 6.2)

A whole-root walk now checks its root before every file: removed or
ejected, it stops instead of reading the drive to the end; paused, it
finishes from the hash cache alone. A paused root is not watched, not
swept by reconcile and survives a restart (roster), its indexed files
stay served. Resume runs the reconcile sweep over the root, so entries
and their enrichment are kept.

Signed root_pause / root_resume over MNP, loopback routes, CLI
`root pause|resume`, a pause button on the indexing dock and
pause/resume in the roots table of Group settings.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 5.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

18 files changed, 208 insertions, 25 deletions

diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/group-page.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/group-page.js
index 48b1c80..3e3b483 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/group-page.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/group-page.js
@@ -510,6 +510,9 @@ function GroupPage({ groupId, group, token, username, userId, userPrefs,
             setNodeRoots(msg.roots);
           }
         };
+        // The dock's pause button, for a node that is not on this machine.
+        const pauseFromDock = (rootName) =>
+          transport.pauseRoot(groupId, rootName, transport.signFn);
         // The node's own scan (a root added while we were already connected,
         // or reconcile catching one back up) — never the entries, just
         // enough to animate the sidebar dot. Guaranteed a final push at the
@@ -526,7 +529,7 @@ function GroupPage({ groupId, group, token, username, userId, userPrefs,
           // The operator's indexing dock. The push names no root, so the
           // page that opened the roots table names it.
           if (transport.memberRole === 'operator') {
-            reportIndexPush(groupId, status, nodeRootsRef.current);
+            reportIndexPush(groupId, status, nodeRootsRef.current, pauseFromDock);
           }
         };
         setOperatorPaired(transport.memberRole === 'operator');
@@ -637,7 +640,8 @@ function GroupPage({ groupId, group, token, username, userId, userPrefs,
           }
         }
         if (transport.memberRole === 'operator' && ack.indexing) {
-          reportIndexPush(groupId, ack.indexing, indexMsg.roots || nodeRootsRef.current);
+          reportIndexPush(groupId, ack.indexing, indexMsg.roots || nodeRootsRef.current,
+                          pauseFromDock);
         }
       } catch (err) {
         if (cancelled) return;
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/group-settings.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/group-settings.js
index 1a367be..a666c29 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/group-settings.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/group-settings.js
@@ -55,8 +55,9 @@ async function readLocalNode(node, groupId, attempts = NODE_CHECK_ATTEMPTS,
  *   mode="live"   — a hosted group. What widens the node's sharing — adding
  *                   a directory, its `writable` and `removable` switches — goes
  *                   through the loopback API only, so only on the node's own
- *                   machine. Removing, ejecting and plugging are signed ops
- *                   over MNP, or the loopback API when there is no connection.
+ *                   machine. Removing, ejecting, plugging, pausing and
+ *                   resuming are signed ops over MNP, or the loopback API when
+ *                   there is no connection.
  *   mode="local"  — the wizard, before the group exists. Changes are held in
  *                   an array the caller owns; nothing is persisted until the
  *                   group is attached.
@@ -72,7 +73,7 @@ async function readLocalNode(node, groupId, attempts = NODE_CHECK_ATTEMPTS,
  *
  * Props:
  *   roots          — the node's current roots: { name, path, writable,
- *                    removable, ejected, available, kind }
+ *                    removable, ejected, paused, available, kind }
  *   groupId        — the group id
  *   transport      — MeshBayTransport instance, or null when not connected
  *   signFn         — signing function for admin ops
@@ -153,7 +154,7 @@ function SharedDirectoriesTable({ roots, groupId, transport, signFn,
   // signature proves that the operator's key signed, not that the operator
   // meant it: in a browser that key is driven by code the hub serves.
   //
-  // Narrowing — remove, eject, plug — MNP first, then loopback.
+  // Narrowing — remove, eject, plug, pause, resume — MNP first, then loopback.
   const overMnp = !isLocal && transport && transport.connected;
   const overLoopback = !isLocal && !overMnp && nodeAvail;
   const onNodeMachine = !isLocal && nodeAvail;
@@ -220,6 +221,18 @@ function SharedDirectoriesTable({ roots, groupId, transport, signFn,
     else throw new Error(t('node.root_no_route'));
   }), [overMnp, overLoopback, transport, groupId, signFn, run]);
 
+  const doPauseRoot = useCallback((rootName) => run(async () => {
+    if (overMnp) await transport.pauseRoot(groupId, rootName, signFn);
+    else if (overLoopback) await platform.node.op('pauseRoot', { groupId, rootName });
+    else throw new Error(t('node.root_no_route'));
+  }), [overMnp, overLoopback, transport, groupId, signFn, run]);
+
+  const doResumeRoot = useCallback((rootName) => run(async () => {
+    if (overMnp) await transport.resumeRoot(groupId, rootName, signFn);
+    else if (overLoopback) await platform.node.op('resumeRoot', { groupId, rootName });
+    else throw new Error(t('node.root_no_route'));
+  }), [overMnp, overLoopback, transport, groupId, signFn, run]);
+
   const doRemoveRoot = useCallback(async (rootName) => {
     if (isLocal) {
       if (onLocalRootsChange) {
@@ -321,6 +334,8 @@ function SharedDirectoriesTable({ roots, groupId, transport, signFn,
                 <span class="node-root-badge node-root-badge-warn">${t('group.root_ejected')}</span>`}
               ${!isLocal && r.available === false && !r.ejected && html`
                 <span class="node-root-badge node-root-badge-warn">${t('node.unavailable')}</span>`}
+              ${!isLocal && r.paused && html`
+                <span class="node-root-badge">${t('node.root_paused')}</span>`}
             </td>
             ${hasPaths && html`
               <td class="sdt-col-path" title=${r.path || ''}>${r.path || ''}</td>`}
@@ -347,6 +362,14 @@ function SharedDirectoriesTable({ roots, groupId, transport, signFn,
             `}
             <td class="sdt-col-actions">
               ${canEdit && !isLocal && html`
+                <button class="sdt-action-btn" disabled=${busy || !!r.ejected}
+                  title=${r.paused ? t('node.root_resume') : t('node.root_pause')}
+                  aria-label=${r.paused ? t('node.root_resume') : t('node.root_pause')}
+                  onClick=${() => r.paused ? doResumeRoot(r.name) : doPauseRoot(r.name)}>
+                  <${Icon} name=${r.paused ? 'play' : 'pause'} />
+                </button>
+              `}
+              ${canEdit && !isLocal && html`
                 <button class="sdt-action-btn" disabled=${busy || !r.removable}
                   title=${r.ejected ? t('group.root_plug') : t('group.root_eject')}
                   onClick=${() => r.ejected ? doPlugRoot(r.name) : doEjectRoot(r.name)}>
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/index-dock-model.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/index-dock-model.js
index bd4586b..ed81e7c 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/index-dock-model.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/index-dock-model.js
@@ -91,8 +91,9 @@ function loud(job, since, now) {
  *
  * `memory` is per group: when the current walk was first seen, whether its row
  * has been shown (a burst that crossed the threshold stays up until it ends),
- * whether the operator hid it, and when it finished. Pure: same arguments, same
- * answer, so a render that runs twice does not flash anything twice.
+ * whether the operator hid it, which walk they paused, and when it finished.
+ * Pure: same arguments, same answer, so a render that runs twice does not flash
+ * anything twice.
  */
 export function dockRows(jobs, memory, now) {
   const next = {};
@@ -105,9 +106,12 @@ export function dockRows(jobs, memory, now) {
       const since = prev.busy && prev.sig === sig ? prev.since : now;
       const shown = Boolean(prev.busy && prev.shown) || loud(job, since, now);
       const hidden = Boolean(prev.busy && prev.hidden);
-      next[gid] = { busy: true, sig, since, shown, hidden, doneAt: 0 };
-      if (shown && !hidden) rows.push({ ...job, state: 'running' });
-    } else if (prev.busy && prev.shown && !prev.hidden) {
+      // The node takes a moment to stop, and may go on to the next root
+      // queued: only the walk that was paused stays off screen.
+      const paused = prev.busy && prev.pausedSig === sig ? sig : '';
+      next[gid] = { busy: true, sig, since, shown, hidden, pausedSig: paused, doneAt: 0 };
+      if (shown && !hidden && !paused) rows.push({ ...job, state: 'running' });
+    } else if (prev.busy && prev.shown && !prev.hidden && !prev.pausedSig) {
       next[gid] = { busy: false, doneAt: now };
       rows.push({ ...job, state: 'done' });
     } else if (prev.doneAt && now - prev.doneAt < DONE_MS) {
@@ -124,3 +128,14 @@ export function hideRow(memory, groupId) {
   if (!prev || !prev.busy) return memory;
   return { ...memory, [groupId]: { ...prev, hidden: true } };
 }
+
+/**
+ * The operator paused the walk this row shows. Its row goes at once rather than
+ * when the node's next report arrives, and no "finished" follows it — the root
+ * is not finished, it is paused, and its settings row says so.
+ */
+export function pauseRow(memory, groupId) {
+  const prev = memory[groupId];
+  if (!prev || !prev.busy) return memory;
+  return { ...memory, [groupId]: { ...prev, pausedSig: prev.sig } };
+}
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/index-dock.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/index-dock.js
index 6c89eb6..47a5818 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/index-dock.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/index-dock.js
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import { navigate, session } from './hub-client.js';
 import { useStickyBand } from './sticky.js';
 import { Icon } from './icon.js';
 import {
-  fromLoopback, fromPush, mergeActivity, dockRows, hideRow, percent, queuedCount,
+  fromLoopback, fromPush, mergeActivity, dockRows, hideRow, pauseRow, percent, queuedCount,
 } from './index-dock-model.js';
 
 // ── Indexing dock ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -29,6 +29,9 @@ const ABSENT_POLL_MS = 30000;
 // rather than a prop through App: the page and the dock are far apart, and a
 // push every two seconds must not re-render the whole application.
 const pushed = new Map();
+// How to pause a root of that group over the page's connection, signed by its
+// operator — the dock holds no transport of its own.
+const pushedPause = new Map();
 const listeners = new Set();
 
 /**
@@ -36,11 +39,17 @@ const listeners = new Set();
  * member keeps the sidebar dot. `status` is the push (or the handshake ack's
  * `indexing`); `roots` the roots table the page opened, which names `root_pos`.
  * `null` when the page lets go of the group: nothing will update the entry any
- * more, and a stale "scanning" would stay on screen for ever.
+ * more, and a stale "scanning" would stay on screen for ever. `pause(rootName)`
+ * is what the row's pause button calls when no node answers on this machine.
  */
-export function reportIndexPush(groupId, status, roots) {
-  if (status) pushed.set(groupId, fromPush(groupId, status, roots));
-  else pushed.delete(groupId);
+export function reportIndexPush(groupId, status, roots, pause) {
+  if (status) {
+    pushed.set(groupId, fromPush(groupId, status, roots));
+    if (pause) pushedPause.set(groupId, pause);
+  } else {
+    pushed.delete(groupId);
+    pushedPause.delete(groupId);
+  }
   for (const fn of listeners) fn();
 }
 
@@ -96,7 +105,7 @@ function usePushedActivity() {
   return snapshot;
 }
 
-function DockRow({ row, onOpen, onHide }) {
+function DockRow({ row, error, onOpen, onPause, onHide }) {
   const done = row.state === 'done';
   const waiting = !done && !row.scanning;
   const listing = !done && row.scanning && !row.totalBytes;
@@ -109,7 +118,9 @@ function DockRow({ row, onOpen, onHide }) {
   const where = row.root ? `${row.groupName} › ${row.root}` : row.groupName;
 
   let meta = '';
-  if (listing) {
+  if (error) {
+    meta = error;
+  } else if (listing) {
     meta = t('indexdock.listing');
   } else if (!done && !waiting) {
     meta = [
@@ -133,7 +144,8 @@ function DockRow({ row, onOpen, onHide }) {
         onClick=${onOpen}>
         <span class="index-dock-head">
           <span class="index-dock-title"><strong>${status}</strong> ${where}</span>
-          ${meta && html`<span class="index-dock-meta">${meta}</span>`}
+          ${meta && html`<span class="index-dock-meta ${error ? 'index-dock-error' : ''}"
+            role=${error ? 'alert' : null}>${meta}</span>`}
         </span>
         <span class="index-progress-bar index-dock-bar">
           <span class="index-progress-fill ${moving ? 'index-dock-indeterminate' : ''}"
@@ -141,6 +153,12 @@ function DockRow({ row, onOpen, onHide }) {
         </span>
         ${next && html`<span class="index-dock-next">${next}</span>`}
       </button>
+      ${!done && onPause && html`
+        <button type="button" class="index-dock-hide" title=${t('indexdock.pause')}
+          aria-label=${t('indexdock.pause')} onClick=${onPause}>
+          <${Icon} name="pause" />
+        </button>
+      `}
       ${!done && html`
         <button type="button" class="index-dock-hide" title=${t('indexdock.hide')}
           aria-label=${t('indexdock.hide')} onClick=${onHide}>
@@ -156,6 +174,7 @@ export function IndexingDock({ groups }) {
   const remote = usePushedActivity();
   const memory = useRef({});
   const [, setTick] = useState(0);
+  const [errors, setErrors] = useState({});
   // Publishes `--index-dock-h` for the sidebar, as the music bar publishes its
   // own; withdrawn when the dock renders nothing.
   const band = useStickyBand('--index-dock-h');
@@ -173,11 +192,36 @@ export function IndexingDock({ groups }) {
     return () => clearInterval(id);
   }, [pending]);
 
+  // A whole-root walk names its root; a burst of file events does not, and
+  // there is nothing to pause. The local node first, as for the figures.
+  const pauser = (row) => {
+    if (row.state !== 'running' || !row.scanning || !row.root) return null;
+    if (local[row.groupId]) {
+      return (rootName) => platform.node.op('pauseRoot', { groupId: row.groupId, rootName });
+    }
+    return pushedPause.get(row.groupId) || null;
+  };
+
+  const pause = async (row, via) => {
+    const before = memory.current;
+    memory.current = pauseRow(memory.current, row.groupId);
+    setErrors((e) => ({ ...e, [row.groupId]: '' }));
+    setTick((n) => n + 1);
+    try {
+      await via(row.root);
+    } catch (err) {
+      // Still running: put the row back, and say why.
+      memory.current = { ...memory.current, [row.groupId]: before[row.groupId] };
+      setErrors((e) => ({ ...e, [row.groupId]: platform.bridgeMessage(err) }));
+    }
+  };
+
   if (!rows.length) return null;
   return html`
     <div class="index-dock" ref=${band}>
       ${rows.map((row) => html`
-        <${DockRow} key=${row.groupId} row=${row}
+        <${DockRow} key=${row.groupId} row=${row} error=${errors[row.groupId] || ''}
+          onPause=${pauser(row) && (() => pause(row, pauser(row)))}
           onOpen=${() => {
             session.openGroupTab = { groupId: row.groupId, tab: 'settings' };
             navigate('/group/' + row.groupId);
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/de.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/de.js
index c190efa..264cd5b 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/de.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/de.js
@@ -880,6 +880,7 @@ export default {
   'indexdock.next_count': "Wartend: {count}",
   'indexdock.open': "Einstellungen dieser Gruppe öffnen",
   'indexdock.hide': "Bis zur nächsten Indizierung ausblenden",
+  'indexdock.pause': "Indexierung dieses Ordners pausieren",
   'chat.load_older': '{n} ältere Nachrichten laden',
   'chat.start_of_history': 'Anfang des Gesprächs',
   'chat.today': 'Heute',
@@ -1001,6 +1002,9 @@ export default {
   'node.remove_root': 'Entfernen',
   'node.root_no_signing_key': 'Kein Signaturschlüssel verfügbar — koppeln Sie dieses Gerät zuerst mit dem Node',
   'node.root_no_route': 'Keine Verbindung zum Node — verbinden Sie sich damit oder verwenden Sie die App auf dem Rechner, der ihn hostet',
+  'node.root_pause': "Indexierung pausieren",
+  'node.root_resume': "Indexierung fortsetzen",
+  'node.root_paused': "Indexierung pausiert",
   'node.root_remove_last': 'Eine Gruppe braucht mindestens ein Verzeichnis',
   'node.root_path': 'Pfad',
   'node.directory': 'Verzeichnis',
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/en.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/en.js
index df85791..a2d7699 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/en.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/en.js
@@ -993,6 +993,7 @@ export default {
   'indexdock.next_count': "{count} more waiting",
   'indexdock.open': "Open this group's settings",
   'indexdock.hide': "Hide until the next indexing",
+  'indexdock.pause': "Pause indexing this folder",
   'chat.load_older': 'Load {n} older messages',
   'chat.start_of_history': 'Beginning of the conversation',
   'chat.today': 'Today',
@@ -1069,6 +1070,9 @@ export default {
   'node.remove_root': 'Remove',
   'node.root_no_signing_key': 'No signing key available — pair this device with the node first',
   'node.root_no_route': 'No route to the node — connect to it, or use the app on the machine hosting it',
+  'node.root_pause': "Pause indexing",
+  'node.root_resume': "Resume indexing",
+  'node.root_paused': "indexing paused",
   'node.root_remove_last': 'A group needs at least one directory',
   'node.root_path': 'Path',
   'node.root_added': 'Directory added.',
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/es.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/es.js
index 50c08cc..e7d313e 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/es.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/es.js
@@ -874,6 +874,7 @@ export default {
   'indexdock.next_count': "En espera: {count}",
   'indexdock.open': "Abrir los ajustes de este grupo",
   'indexdock.hide': "Ocultar hasta la próxima indexación",
+  'indexdock.pause': "Pausar la indexación de esta carpeta",
   'chat.load_older': 'Cargar {n} mensajes anteriores',
   'chat.start_of_history': 'Inicio de la conversación',
   'chat.today': 'Hoy',
@@ -995,6 +996,9 @@ export default {
   'node.remove_root': 'Eliminar',
   'node.root_no_signing_key': 'No hay clave de firma disponible: empareja primero este dispositivo con el nodo',
   'node.root_no_route': 'No hay ruta al nodo: conéctate a él o usa la aplicación en la máquina que lo aloja',
+  'node.root_pause': "Pausar la indexación",
+  'node.root_resume': "Reanudar la indexación",
+  'node.root_paused': "indexación en pausa",
   'node.root_remove_last': 'Un grupo necesita al menos un directorio',
   'node.root_path': 'Ruta',
   'node.directory': 'Directorio',
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/fr.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/fr.js
index a56c9ef..e1994dd 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/fr.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/fr.js
@@ -877,6 +877,7 @@ export default {
   'indexdock.next_count': "En attente : {count}",
   'indexdock.open': "Ouvrir les paramètres de ce groupe",
   'indexdock.hide': "Masquer jusqu'à la prochaine indexation",
+  'indexdock.pause': "Mettre en pause l'indexation de ce dossier",
   'chat.load_older': 'Charger {n} messages plus anciens',
   'chat.start_of_history': 'Début de la conversation',
   'chat.today': 'Aujourd’hui',
@@ -1004,6 +1005,9 @@ export default {
   'node.remove_root': 'Retirer',
   'node.root_no_signing_key': 'Aucune clé de signature disponible — appairez d\'abord cet appareil avec le nœud',
   'node.root_no_route': 'Aucune route vers le nœud — connectez-vous à lui, ou utilisez l\'application sur la machine qui l\'héberge',
+  'node.root_pause': "Mettre l'indexation en pause",
+  'node.root_resume': "Reprendre l'indexation",
+  'node.root_paused': "indexation en pause",
   'node.root_remove_last': 'Un groupe a besoin d\'au moins un répertoire',
   'node.root_path': 'Chemin',
   'node.root_added': 'Répertoire ajouté.',
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/it.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/it.js
index de071ee..eb96a49 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/it.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/it.js
@@ -876,6 +876,7 @@ export default {
   'indexdock.next_count': "In attesa: {count}",
   'indexdock.open': "Apri le impostazioni di questo gruppo",
   'indexdock.hide': "Nascondi fino alla prossima indicizzazione",
+  'indexdock.pause': "Sospendi l'indicizzazione di questa cartella",
   'chat.load_older': 'Carica {n} messaggi precedenti',
   'chat.start_of_history': 'Inizio della conversazione',
   'chat.today': 'Oggi',
@@ -1003,6 +1004,9 @@ export default {
   'node.remove_root': 'Rimuovi',
   'node.root_no_signing_key': 'Nessuna chiave di firma disponibile: associa prima questo dispositivo al nodo',
   'node.root_no_route': 'Nessuna via verso il nodo: connettiti a esso oppure usa l\'applicazione sulla macchina che lo ospita',
+  'node.root_pause': "Sospendi l'indicizzazione",
+  'node.root_resume': "Riprendi l'indicizzazione",
+  'node.root_paused': "indicizzazione sospesa",
   'node.root_remove_last': 'Un gruppo ha bisogno di almeno una directory',
   'node.root_path': 'Percorso',
   'node.directory': 'Directory',
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/ja.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/ja.js
index d7261c6..2a4584a 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/ja.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/ja.js
@@ -864,6 +864,7 @@ export default {
   'indexdock.next_count': "待機中: {count}",
   'indexdock.open': "このグループの設定を開く",
   'indexdock.hide': "次のインデックスまで隠す",
+  'indexdock.pause': "このフォルダーのインデックス作成を一時停止",
   'chat.load_older': '以前のメッセージを {n} 件読み込む',
   'chat.start_of_history': '会話のはじまり',
   'chat.today': '今日',
@@ -989,6 +990,9 @@ export default {
   'node.remove_root': '削除',
   'node.root_no_signing_key': '署名鍵がありません — 先にこの端末をノードとペアリングしてください',
   'node.root_no_route': 'ノードへの経路がありません — 接続するか、ノードを動かしているマシンでアプリを使ってください',
+  'node.root_pause': "インデックス作成を一時停止",
+  'node.root_resume': "インデックス作成を再開",
+  'node.root_paused': "インデックス作成を一時停止中",
   'node.root_remove_last': 'グループには少なくとも 1 つのディレクトリが必要です',
   'node.root_path': 'パス',
   'node.directory': 'ディレクトリ',
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/nl.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/nl.js
index a628fb9..ce4acbe 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/nl.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/nl.js
@@ -878,6 +878,7 @@ export default {
   'indexdock.next_count': "Wachtend: {count}",
   'indexdock.open': "Instellingen van deze groep openen",
   'indexdock.hide': "Verbergen tot de volgende indexering",
+  'indexdock.pause': "Indexeren van deze map pauzeren",
   'chat.load_older': '{n} oudere berichten laden',
   'chat.start_of_history': 'Begin van het gesprek',
   'chat.today': 'Vandaag',
@@ -1005,6 +1006,9 @@ export default {
   'node.remove_root': 'Verwijderen',
   'node.root_no_signing_key': 'Geen ondertekeningssleutel beschikbaar — koppel dit apparaat eerst aan de node',
   'node.root_no_route': 'Geen route naar de node — maak verbinding, of gebruik de app op de machine die hem host',
+  'node.root_pause': "Indexeren pauzeren",
+  'node.root_resume': "Indexeren hervatten",
+  'node.root_paused': "indexeren gepauzeerd",
   'node.root_remove_last': 'Een groep heeft minstens één map nodig',
   'node.root_path': 'Pad',
   'node.directory': 'Map',
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/pl.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/pl.js
index 9014664..72ace3a 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/pl.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/pl.js
@@ -898,6 +898,7 @@ export default {
   'indexdock.next_count': "W kolejce: {count}",
   'indexdock.open': "Otwórz ustawienia tej grupy",
   'indexdock.hide': "Ukryj do następnego indeksowania",
+  'indexdock.pause': "Wstrzymaj indeksowanie tego folderu",
   'chat.load_older': 'Wczytaj {n} starszych wiadomości',
   'chat.start_of_history': 'Początek rozmowy',
   'chat.today': 'Dziś',
@@ -1029,6 +1030,9 @@ export default {
   'node.remove_root': 'Usuń',
   'node.root_no_signing_key': 'Brak klucza podpisu — najpierw sparuj to urządzenie z węzłem',
   'node.root_no_route': 'Brak połączenia z węzłem — połącz się z nim albo użyj aplikacji na komputerze, który go hostuje',
+  'node.root_pause': "Wstrzymaj indeksowanie",
+  'node.root_resume': "Wznów indeksowanie",
+  'node.root_paused': "indeksowanie wstrzymane",
   'node.root_remove_last': 'Grupa wymaga co najmniej jednego katalogu',
   'node.root_path': 'Ścieżka',
   'node.directory': 'Katalog',
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/pt-BR.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/pt-BR.js
index e6972fb..ad46dc2 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/pt-BR.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/pt-BR.js
@@ -875,6 +875,7 @@ export default {
   'indexdock.next_count': "Na fila: {count}",
   'indexdock.open': "Abrir as configurações deste grupo",
   'indexdock.hide': "Ocultar até a próxima indexação",
+  'indexdock.pause': "Pausar a indexação desta pasta",
   'chat.load_older': 'Carregar {n} mensagens anteriores',
   'chat.start_of_history': 'Início da conversa',
   'chat.today': 'Hoje',
@@ -996,6 +997,9 @@ export default {
   'node.remove_root': 'Remover',
   'node.root_no_signing_key': 'Nenhuma chave de assinatura disponível — pareie este dispositivo com o nó primeiro',
   'node.root_no_route': 'Sem rota até o nó — conecte-se a ele ou use o aplicativo na máquina que o hospeda',
+  'node.root_pause': "Pausar a indexação",
+  'node.root_resume': "Retomar a indexação",
+  'node.root_paused': "indexação pausada",
   'node.root_remove_last': 'Um grupo precisa de pelo menos um diretório',
   'node.root_path': 'Caminho',
   'node.directory': 'Diretório',
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/zh-CN.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/zh-CN.js
index 96f7f5f..ccaf059 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/zh-CN.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/locales/zh-CN.js
@@ -852,6 +852,7 @@ export default {
   'indexdock.next_count': "等待中：{count}",
   'indexdock.open': "打开此群组的设置",
   'indexdock.hide': "隐藏，直到下一次索引",
+  'indexdock.pause': "暂停索引此文件夹",
   'chat.load_older': '加载更早的 {n} 条消息',
   'chat.start_of_history': '对话开头',
   'chat.today': '今天',
@@ -977,6 +978,9 @@ export default {
   'node.remove_root': '移除',
   'node.root_no_signing_key': '没有可用的签名密钥 — 请先将本设备与节点配对',
   'node.root_no_route': '无法连接到节点 — 请先连接，或在运行该节点的机器上使用应用',
+  'node.root_pause': "暂停索引",
+  'node.root_resume': "继续索引",
+  'node.root_paused': "索引已暂停",
   'node.root_remove_last': '每个群组至少需要一个目录',
   'node.root_path': '路径',
   'node.directory': '目录',
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/style.css b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/style.css
index 67d52b9..f6cb57c 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/style.css
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/style.css
@@ -3591,6 +3591,7 @@ h2 .gn-owner, h3 .gn-owner { font-size: 0.55em; }
 .sdt-action-btn:hover:not(:disabled) { background: var(--bg-raised); color: var(--text); }
 .sdt-action-btn:disabled { opacity: 0.3; cursor: default; }
 .sdt-action-danger:hover:not(:disabled) { color: var(--error); border-color: var(--error); }
+.sdt-action-btn .icon { width: 1em; height: 1em; display: block; }
 .sdt-dir-name { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; font-weight: 500; }
 .sdt-dir-name .icon { width: 16px; height: 16px; flex-shrink: 0; }
 .sdt-row-ejected { opacity: 0.5; }
@@ -4832,6 +4833,7 @@ h2 .gn-owner, h3 .gn-owner { font-size: 0.55em; }
   white-space: nowrap;
   font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums;
 }
+.index-dock-meta.index-dock-error { color: var(--error); white-space: normal; }
 .index-dock-bar { display: block; margin: 6px 0 0; }
 .index-dock-bar .index-progress-fill { display: block; }
 .index-dock-done .index-progress-fill { background: var(--success); }
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/transport-admin.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/transport-admin.js
index 7bc77af..aea156b 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/transport-admin.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/transport-admin.js
@@ -279,6 +279,27 @@ extendTransport(class {
     return msg;
   }
 
+  // Stop / restart indexing one root (MNP 6.2). Already-indexed files stay
+  // listed while it is paused.
+  async pauseRoot(groupId, rootName, signFn) {
+    return this._rootIndexOp('root_pause', groupId, rootName, signFn);
+  }
+
+  async resumeRoot(groupId, rootName, signFn) {
+    return this._rootIndexOp('root_resume', groupId, rootName, signFn);
+  }
+
+  async _rootIndexOp(type, groupId, rootName, signFn) {
+    const msg = await this._sendAndWait({
+      type, v: '6.2', group_id: groupId, root_name: rootName,
+    });
+    if (msg.type === 'error') throw new Error(msg.detail);
+    if (msg.type === 'admin_challenge') {
+      return this._authorizeAdminOp(msg, type, rootName, signFn);
+    }
+    return msg;
+  }
+
   /**
    * Ask the node for a one-time pairing code admitting `userId` to this group.
    *
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/transport.js b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/transport.js
index ee6645f..c86d668 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/transport.js
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/src/meshbay_hub/static/transport.js
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ function _aborted() {
 // unsaved-looking draft after a save that had worked.
 const BROADCAST_ACK_TYPES = new Set([
   'root_eject_ack', 'root_plug_ack', 'root_remove_ack',
-  'app_directories_ack', 'chat_directory_ack', 'chat_link_preview_ack',
+  'root_pause_ack', 'root_resume_ack', 'app_directories_ack', 'chat_directory_ack', 'chat_link_preview_ack',
   'chat_epoch_ack', 'chat_purge_ack', 'search_listed_ack',
 ]);
 
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ const ADMIN_OP_TYPES = new Set([
   'tmdb_override', 'tmdb_rematch', 'tmdb_config', 'tmdb_enabled',
   'musicbrainz_enabled', 'file_delete', 'dir_delete',
   'apps_enabled', 'set_scan_settings', 'member_revoke',
-  'root_remove', 'root_eject', 'root_plug',
+  'root_remove', 'root_eject', 'root_plug', 'root_pause', 'root_resume',
   'app_directories', 'chat_directory', 'chat_link_preview', 'chat_epoch',
   'chat_purge', 'search_listed', 'invite_create', 'invite_link_create', 'invite_cancel',
 ]);
@@ -2141,11 +2141,13 @@ class MeshBayTransport {
       this._onMusicbrainzEnabled(Boolean(msg.enabled));
     }
 
-    // A root was ejected, plugged or removed. Broadcast by the node to every
-    // peer, so everyone's table updates without waiting for the next index_sync.
+    // A root was ejected, plugged, paused, resumed or removed. Broadcast by the
+    // node to every peer, so everyone's table updates without waiting for the
+    // next index_sync.
     // A root added or a flag changed — on the node's own machine, never over
     // MNP — arrives in the index_delta the node pushes.
     if (msg.type === 'root_eject_ack' || msg.type === 'root_plug_ack'
+        || msg.type === 'root_pause_ack' || msg.type === 'root_resume_ack'
         || msg.type === 'root_remove_ack') {
       if (this._onRootsChanged) this._onRootsChanged(msg);
     }
diff --git a/packages/meshbay-hub/tests/test_indexing_dock.py b/packages/meshbay-hub/tests/test_indexing_dock.py
index e960950..1619b57 100644
--- a/packages/meshbay-hub/tests/test_indexing_dock.py
+++ b/packages/meshbay-hub/tests/test_indexing_dock.py
@@ -51,15 +51,18 @@ def _job(**over) -> dict:
     return job
 
 
-def _frames(tmp_path, frames: list[tuple[int, list[dict]]], hide_at: int | None = None):
+def _frames(tmp_path, frames: list[tuple[int, list[dict]]], hide_at: int | None = None,
+            pause_at: int | None = None):
     """Feed dockRows a sequence of (time ms, jobs) and return each frame's rows."""
     return _run(tmp_path, f"""
         const frames = {json.dumps(frames)};
         const hideAt = {json.dumps(hide_at)};
+        const pauseAt = {json.dumps(pause_at)};
         let memory = {{}};
         const out = [];
         for (const [now, jobs] of frames) {{
           if (hideAt === now) memory = m.hideRow(memory, 'g1');
+          if (pauseAt === now) memory = m.pauseRow(memory, 'g1');
           const r = m.dockRows(jobs, memory, now);
           memory = r.memory;
           out.push(r.rows.map((row) => [row.groupId, row.state]));
@@ -120,6 +123,24 @@ def test_a_hidden_row_stays_hidden_until_the_group_is_idle(tmp_path):
 # ── Where it comes from ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 @needs_node
+def test_a_paused_walk_leaves_at_once_and_is_not_called_finished(tmp_path):
+    """The node takes a moment to stop: its next reports still say scanning."""
+    idle = _job(scanning=False, kind="")
+    assert _frames(tmp_path, [
+        (0, [_job()]), (1000, [_job()]), (2000, [_job()]), (3000, [idle]),
+    ], pause_at=1000) == [[["g1", "running"]], [], [], []]
+
+
+@needs_node
+def test_pausing_one_root_does_not_hide_the_next_one_queued(tmp_path):
+    first = _job(root="results", queued=["archive"])
+    second = _job(root="archive")
+    assert _frames(tmp_path, [
+        (0, [first]), (1000, [first]), (2000, [second]),
+    ], pause_at=1000) == [[["g1", "running"]], [], [["g1", "running"]]]
+
+
+@needs_node
 def test_the_loopback_answer_wins_and_the_hub_names_the_group(tmp_path):
     out = _run(tmp_path, """
         const local = { g1: m.fromLoopback({ group_id: 'g1', group_name: 'node name',
@@ -173,6 +194,17 @@ def test_only_an_operator_connection_feeds_the_dock():
             "a member's connection must keep the sidebar dot only")
 
 
+def test_the_pause_button_reaches_the_node_by_either_door():
+    """The local node over loopback; any other through the page's connection,
+    signed by its operator — the dock holds no transport of its own."""
+    dock = DOCK.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    assert "node.op('pauseRoot'" in dock
+    page = GROUP_PAGE.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    assert "transport.pauseRoot(groupId, rootName, transport.signFn)" in page
+    for at in [m.start() for m in re.finditer(r"reportIndexPush\(groupId, (?!null)", page)]:
+        assert "pauseFromDock" in page[at:at + 140]
+
+
 def test_leaving_a_group_clears_its_row():
     page = GROUP_PAGE.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
     cleanup = page[page.index("    return () => {\n      cancelled = true;"):]