# Providers & Presets
Common issues with AI providers, launcher presets, and agent launches.

## Codex launch fails with missing credentials

**Symptom:** A Codex-backed launch fails with an error telling you to run `codex login` or set `CODEX_API_KEY` / `OPENAI_API_KEY`.

**Likely cause:** The machine has neither a cached Codex login nor an API key available in the launch environment.

**Fix:**

```bash
codex login

# or set an API key instead
export CODEX_API_KEY="..."
# OPENAI_API_KEY also works as a fallback
```

Restart Valdr or your MCP host after changing credentials.

## Agent launch fails with an API key error

**Symptom:** Launching an agent returns an error such as `ANTHROPIC_API_KEY not set` or a missing key for another provider.

**Likely cause:** The required environment variable is not set in the process that launches the session.

**Fix:**

```bash
# Example
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-..."
export GEMINI_API_KEY="..."
```

{{< callout type="tip" >}}
Valdr reads environment variables from the process that launches it or your MCP host. If you add or change a key, restart that process so it sees the new value.
{{< /callout >}}

## Preset references a missing env var

**Symptom:** Preset resolution fails before the launch starts because an environment reference cannot be resolved.

**Likely cause:** The preset's **Env refs** list names a variable that does not exist in the environment.

**Fix:**

- Open **Settings > Agent Presets**
- Edit the preset and review **Env refs**
- Either export the missing variable or remove/update that reference

See [Preset Configuration](/valdr/docs/valdr-provider-packs/presets/) for the schema.

## Model not found

**Symptom:** The provider returns `model not found` or an equivalent error.

**Likely cause:** The preset is using a model identifier that the selected provider does not accept.

**Fix:**

- Open **Settings > Providers** and confirm the provider has the model you expect
- Open **Settings > Agent Presets** and make sure the preset points at the right provider and model
- If the provider changed its model catalog, update the preset to match the current model ID

## Ollama preset cannot connect

**Symptom:** An Ollama-backed launch fails with connection refused or timeout errors.

**Likely cause:** Ollama is not running, or the configured `baseUrl` is wrong.

**Fix:**

```bash
# Verify Ollama is running
curl http://127.0.0.1:11434/api/tags

# If not, start it
ollama serve
```

Make sure the provider or preset uses the same base URL. The common local default is `http://127.0.0.1:11434`.

## Claude Code cannot be found

**Symptom:** A Claude-backed launch fails because `claude` or `claude-code` is not on `PATH`.

**Likely cause:** Claude Code is not installed, or Valdr cannot find the executable from its current environment.

**Fix:**

```bash
command -v claude
command -v claude-code
```

If neither command resolves, install Claude Code or point Valdr at it with `CLAUDE_CODE_EXECUTABLE`.

## Claude sessions keep asking for edit confirmation

**Symptom:** Claude-backed sessions pause repeatedly for file or tool confirmations.

**Likely cause:** The preset's `permissionMode` is more restrictive than the workflow you intended to run.

**Fix:** Edit the preset in **Settings > Agent Presets** and adjust the Config JSON. Start with `acceptEdits`, `default`, or `plan` if you want confirmations in the loop. Use `bypassPermissions` only when you intentionally want unattended local execution and accept the broader trust boundary.

See [Preset Configuration > Claude](/valdr/docs/valdr-provider-packs/presets/) for the supported values.

## Providers do not appear in launcher dropdowns

**Symptom:** You created a provider in Settings but it does not appear when launching agents.

**Likely cause:** The provider is disabled, or the preset points at a different provider type.

**Fix:**

- Open **Settings > Providers** and confirm **Enabled** is `Yes`
- Open **Settings > Agent Presets** and confirm the preset's provider matches the provider you configured

## Related

- [Provider Configuration](/valdr/docs/valdr-provider-packs/overview/)
- [Preset Configuration](/valdr/docs/valdr-provider-packs/presets/)
- [Settings](/valdr/docs/ui/settings/)