ChatGPT Users Face Persistent 'Session Expired' and 'File Not Found' Errors in Code Interpreter Downloads

Prominent figure Steve Kirsch recently highlighted a significant ongoing challenge faced by users of OpenAI's ChatGPT: the inability to reliably download files generated by its code interpreter. Kirsch expressed frustration on social media, stating, > "ChatGPT would be awesome if they could get downloads to work from created files. I always get 'code session expired' or 'file not found' when it gives me links to download." This issue, characterized by error messages like "code session expired" or "file not found," appears to be a widespread and recurring problem for many users attempting to retrieve generated content.

The core of the problem lies in the ephemeral nature of the code interpreter's sessions. Users frequently report that after ChatGPT successfully processes data or generates code and provides a download link, clicking the link results in an error. These errors, including "The code interpreter tool session has expired" or "Failed to get upload status," affect various file types, from spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations to images and zip archives. The consistent failure to access generated files significantly hampers productivity for those relying on the feature.

According to discussions on OpenAI's community forums, the primary reasons for these download failures are session time limits and user inactivity. Code execution sessions within ChatGPT are designed to be temporary, often expiring within a short period, sometimes as little as 40 minutes. If a user navigates away, switches tabs, or delays clicking the download link, the session may reset or terminate, rendering the generated file inaccessible. Technical glitches or issues with the underlying sandbox environment are also cited as contributing factors.

The persistent download issues undermine the utility of ChatGPT's Advanced Data Analysis (formerly Code Interpreter) feature, which is designed for tasks like data summarization, exploratory data analysis, and code generation. Users express considerable frustration, noting that even immediate attempts to download files often fail. While some suggest workarounds like starting a new chat or prompting ChatGPT to regenerate the file, these methods are often unreliable and add significant overhead to workflows. The problem also extends to custom GPTs, where creators have reported similar download failures for files intended for user access.

The prevalence of user complaints across various platforms, including OpenAI's own community forums and Reddit, indicates that OpenAI is likely aware of these persistent download challenges. Despite the introduction of advanced features like Codex for enhanced code generation and execution, the fundamental issue of file download reliability remains a significant pain point for the user base. The ongoing nature of these errors suggests a complex technical challenge that impacts the practical application of ChatGPT's powerful data handling capabilities.