Description
🧠 Context
When working with project files in ChatGPT, users can upload .zip or other files to the "uploads" panel in a project and expect them to be reusable throughout the session. However, the model loses access to these files across executions – even in the same conversation, and even after confirming the file's presence earlier.
❌ Problem
The file appears in the sidebar and was already accessed and confirmed by the model (e.g. the model lists files or shows contents). Later, if the user asks:
"Please re-extract the .zip file I uploaded earlier"
The model responds:
"That file is not in the zip"
This is despite having previously confirmed it was.
🔍 Root cause (likely)
It seems the execution environment (sandbox) is ephemeral. When the environment resets, the model can no longer access previously extracted content or uploaded files – even though the project interface shows them.
There is no way for the user to reconnect a file to the model, and the model does not notify the user that access to the file was lost.
🧭 Expected behavior
- Files uploaded to a project should be accessible across executions.
- The model should be able to reference them reliably via filename or ID.
- At minimum, the user should be able to click "Reconnect this file to model" in the UI.
- If the model cannot access a previously seen file, it should say:
"I’ve lost access to the file – please reupload it."
✅ Recommendation
- Add persistent access to project uploads
- Provide a UI way to “reconnect” a file
- Improve model feedback when a file is no longer accessible