Environment
- Surface: Web / iOS / Android / macOS / Windows/ Linux Windows 11
- Browser or app version: version is 26.1002.52244, build 13536 (production release
- Affected feature and model, if relevant: All
Bug
When ChatGPT attempts to take control of it’s virtual browser, it fails. This is what it says.
I found the specific cause in the local logs: Windows has locked a file needed by the browser-control tool because another process is using it.
The file is node_repl.exe. Codex tries to check or update its permissions during startup, Windows returns “file is being used by another process” (error 32), and the tool exits before it can connect to any browser. This occurs during the widows sandbox setup.
Resetting the tool didn’t release that lock. Fully quit and reopen Codex as the next troubleshooting step. If the lock survives that, restarting Windows should release it. I haven’t yet identified which process holds the lock.
I’ve tried quitting ChatGPT and even fully shutting down and restarting my computer. I’ve also uninstalled all plugins. This keeps occurring.
Reproduction
Steps or a minimal example prompt:
Diagnostics
Exact error or screenshot:
When it happened (with timezone) and how often: In is CST. This is happening every time I’m asking chatgpt to perform a task requiring a browser (either my personal browser or its browser)