# Troubleshooting

Solutions for common RenameClick issues with AI models, file processing errors, workspace problems, and LM Studio connection workarounds.

## [LM Studio Workaround](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#lm-studio-workaround/index.html)

If the built-in local AI has issues on your hardware (Intel Arc GPU, insufficient VRAM, CPU fallback problems), you can use LM Studio as an alternative local provider.

### [Performance Note](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#performance-note/index.html)

When using LM Studio with CPU inference, processing a file takes approximately **10-14 seconds** instead of **~0.5 seconds** with GPU acceleration. This is expected — CPU inference is significantly slower.

### [Before You Start](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#before-you-start/index.html)

1. **Update your GPU drivers** — Make sure you have the latest drivers for your graphics card (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel)
2. **Install the latest RenameClick version** — Download the newest version from the website
3. **Ensure at least 4 GB of free RAM** — The local AI model requires sufficient memory

If these steps don't resolve your issue, follow the LM Studio setup below.

### [Step 1: Install LM Studio](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#step-1-install-lm-studio/index.html)

Download and install LM Studio from [lmstudio.ai](https://lmstudio.ai/).

### [Step 2: Download the AI Model](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#step-2-download-the-ai-model/index.html)

1. Open LM Studio
2. Go to the **Search** tab
3. Search for `qwen3-vl-4b`
4. In Download Options, choose: **Qwen3 VL 4B GGUF Q4_K_M**
5. Click **Download** (approximately 4 GB)

### [Step 3: Start the LM Studio Server](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#step-3-start-the-lm-studio-server/index.html)

1. Go to the **Developer** tab (or click the green icon in the left sidebar)
2. Load the downloaded model

3. Click **Start Server** — It should start on: `http://localhost:1234`

### [Step 4: Configure RenameClick](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#step-4-configure-renameclick/index.html)

1. Open RenameClick
2. Click the **provider dropdown** (currently showing "Local")
3. Select **LM Studio** — it should show as green (connected)

If LM Studio is not green, go to **"Configure Models"**, refetch LM Studio, and select the **qwen3 VL 4b** model:

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## [Processing Issues](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#processing-issues/index.html)

### [Files show errors after processing](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#files-show-errors-after-processing/index.html)

- **Network error**: Check internet if using a cloud provider
- **Model error (503)**: The local model is still loading — wait and retry
- **File access error**: The file may be locked or permissions restricted
- Click the retry button on individual files or "Re-run All" for all failed files

### [Processing is slow](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#processing-is-slow/index.html)

- Local model processes one file at a time — this is by design for stability
- Large images and multi-page documents take longer
- Consider using a cloud provider for faster results on large batches
- Close other GPU-intensive applications if using the local model

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## [Workspace Issues](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#workspace-issues/index.html)

### ["AI Search is running" / workspace locked](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#ai-search-is-running--workspace-locked/index.html)

Workspaces use mutual exclusion to prevent resource conflicts:

- Stop AI Search before starting Rename processing
- Stop Rename processing before starting AI Search
- Turn off Auto Flow Watch before starting AI Search

### [Can't switch providers](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#cant-switch-providers/index.html)

Provider/model switching is locked while AI Search is running or any Auto Flow row is watching. Stop the active task first.

### [Files don't appear after drag & drop](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#files-dont-appear-after-drag--drop/index.html)

- Check that the files are supported types (see [Supported File Types](/content/docs/getting-started/supported-files/index.html))
- If dropping a folder, check the recursive scanning toggle
- The batch file limit may be reached — raise it in Local AI Settings

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## [Auto Flow Issues](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#auto-flow-issues/index.html)

### [Auto Flow isn't processing new files](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#auto-flow-isnt-processing-new-files/index.html)

- Verify Watch is ON (green indicator)
- Check that source and destination folders are set correctly
- Files inside the destination folder are ignored (loop prevention)
- Files still being downloaded/copied are stabilized before processing

### ["No credits left" in Auto Flow](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#no-credits-left-in-auto-flow/index.html)

Free users: credits ran out. Auto Flow pauses automatically. Upgrade to Pro or wait for monthly renewal.

### [Files are being re-processed](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#files-are-being-re-processed/index.html)

- Check that the file wasn't modified after being processed
- Files recently moved by the app are tracked for 10 seconds to prevent re-triggering

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## [Context Menu Issues](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#context-menu-issues/index.html)

### ["Rename with RenameClick" not showing in Finder](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#rename-with-renameclick-not-showing-in-finder/index.html)

- The Quick Action is installed on first launch. Try restarting the app.
- Check System Settings > Extensions > Finder > Quick Actions
- On macOS: the option appears under Quick Actions or Services in the right-click menu

### ["Rename with RenameClick" not showing in Windows Explorer](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#rename-with-renameclick-not-showing-in-windows-explorer/index.html)

- Registry entries are installed on first launch. Try restarting the app.
- On Windows 11: look under "Show more options" in the right-click menu
- Registry entries auto-update when the app exe path changes

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## [Settings & Data Issues](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#settings--data-issues/index.html)

### [Import fails](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#import-fails/index.html)

- Import is blocked while Auto Flow Watch is ON — stop all watching rows first
- Verify the `.rclick` file isn't corrupted
- The app reloads after successful import

### [Settings lost after update](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#settings-lost-after-update/index.html)

- Settings are stored in the app data directory and should survive updates
- If lost, restore from a `.rclick` export backup
- On macOS: `~/Library/Application Support/RenameClick/`
- On Windows: `%APPDATA%/RenameClick/`

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## [Performance](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#performance/index.html)

### [High memory usage](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#high-memory-usage/index.html)

- The local AI model uses ~4 GB RAM/VRAM— this is expected
- Reduce the batch file limit if processing very large folders
- Close and reopen the app to free memory from completed sessions

### [App starts slowly](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#app-starts-slowly/index.html)

- First launch after model download: model needs to load into memory
- Subsequent launches: ~320ms average startup time
- On Windows: GPU probe may add a few seconds on first launch

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## [Getting Help](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#getting-help/index.html)

If your issue isn't listed here:

- Contact support via the Contact Us link on the website
- Check the app version in the title bar and ensure you're up to date

## [Contact Support](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting#contact-support/index.html)

If you still need help:

- Open the support form from the website
- Email **[support@pithly.app](mailto:support@pithly.app)**
- Include your GPU model, CPU model, total RAM, and a short description of the issue