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Workspace Permission Issues

Overview

This page handles cases where a workspace appears to be connected but Ghast AI still cannot read or write the directory, the authorization seems to have stopped working, or the current directory is outside the connected range.

Identify the symptom first

Observed behaviorInitial focus
A folder was selected, but local files still cannot be accessedConfirm the workspace was actually connected and the authorization has not expired
A workspace that used to work is no longer availableCheck whether the browser requires re-authorization or the folder location has changed
An action says the target is outside the workspace boundaryConfirm whether the target is simply not inside the currently connected directory
You need access to another project directoryTreat this as a workspace-selection issue first, not as a reason to widen the entire machine boundary

Standard troubleshooting order

  1. Confirm that Companion is being detected normally by the extension.
  2. Confirm that the current workspace still shows as connected.
  3. If the browser asks for authorization again, reselect the folder and complete authorization.
  4. If the current directory range is not sufficient, change or add the workspace first.
  5. Only after those steps should you evaluate whether a wider full boundary is actually necessary.

What not to assume first

  • Do not assume a workspace issue automatically means the whole-machine boundary must be widened.
  • Do not diagnose Companion itself as broken before you have checked whether re-authorization is required.
  • Do not confuse “this directory is outside the workspace” with “file permissions are completely broken.”

Workspace issues should be treated as connection-scope or re-authorization problems first. For most users, the right order is consistent: confirm Companion detection, confirm workspace status, re-authorize or switch directories, and only then decide whether a wider boundary is justified.