What this error means

vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() hangs indefinitely with file status stuck at in_progress is a OpenAI API failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix openai vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() hanging forever with file stuck in_progress status. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Filed 2026-04-16. File upload succeeds, attach succeeds, but poll never returns. File stuck at 'in_progress' forever with null last_error. Breaks RAG pipelines using OpenAI Assistants API.

Common causes

  • The upload_and_poll() method hangs indefinitely when a file upload succeeds but the vector store processing never completes. The file stays stuck at status='in_progress' with last_error=null, causing blocking calls in production RAG pipelines.
  • Filed 2026-04-16. File upload succeeds, attach succeeds, but poll never returns. File stuck at 'in_progress' forever with null last_error. Breaks RAG pipelines using OpenAI Assistants API.

Quick fixes

  1. Confirm the exact error signature matches vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() hangs indefinitely with file status stuck at in_progress.
  2. Check the OpenAI API account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
  3. Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

  • Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
  • Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
  • Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
  2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
  3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
  4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
  5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

  • Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
  • Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
  • Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.