Start here, how to use an AI Fix file

An AI Fix file is a small text file that comes with every article. You give it to an AI assistant. The assistant reads it, asks you a few questions, and walks you through the fix one step at a time. The file tells the AI to be careful: no passwords, a backup first, and a stop before anything you can't undo.

You don't need to be technical. You only need to be willing to say "stop" if something looks odd.

The easy way: a chat assistant

This works with Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini and similar assistants. Nothing to install.

1. Open the article and choose Download the AI Fix file. It is a file ending in .md. You can also find every file in the Fix Library.
2. Open your AI assistant in your browser or app.
3. Attach the file, or open it and paste its text into the chat.
4. Say: "Read this file, then walk me through it one step at a time."
5. Answer its questions. Do each step on your own computer. Tell it when you are done with each one.

The assistant can't touch your computer in this mode. It talks, and you do the clicking. That is the safest way to start.

The helper way: Claude Code or Codex in a terminal

Some fixes go faster if the AI can run commands for you. Claude Code and Codex CLI are two official tools that do that. They live in a terminal (a text window where you type commands). You only need them when a fix file says needs: claude-code, codex or terminal.

Take care here. An AI that can run commands can also make a mistake that costs you files. Read the safety rules below first.

Claude Code

• What you need: a paid Claude plan (Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise) or a Console account. The free plan doesn't include Claude Code, as of November 2026.
• Mac: install with Homebrew by running brew install --cask claude-code.
• Windows: install with WinGet by running winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode.
• Other ways: the official page also lists a native installer, Linux package managers and npm. Use only what that page says, and read it first: https://code.claude.com/docs/en/setup
• Check it worked: open a new terminal and run claude --version. It should print a version number.
• Sign in: run claude and follow the browser prompts.
• Not a terminal person? The same page links a desktop app.

Codex CLI

• What you need: a ChatGPT plan that includes Codex, or an API key, as the official page describes.
• Mac: install with Homebrew by running brew install --cask codex.
• Any system with Node.js: run npm install -g @openai/codex.
• Official page and downloads: https://github.com/openai/codex
• Sign in: run codex, then choose Sign in with ChatGPT.

Install only from those official pages. Never from a search ad, a video description or a forum post. Check that the address is exactly what you expect before you type anything. These tools change fast, so if the official page says something different from this one, trust the official page, and tell us.

If an install page only offers a command that pipes a download straight into your shell, we would rather you use Homebrew or WinGet. If you do use the vendor's own command, copy it only from the vendor's own page.

Using a fix file with Claude Code or Codex

1. Make a new, empty folder for the job, for example fix-help. Don't start in your home folder or your Documents folder.
2. Put the fix file in that folder.
3. Open a terminal in that folder and start the tool (claude or codex).
4. Say: "Read the fix file in this folder, then walk me through it one step at a time. Ask me before you run anything."
5. Keep the approval setting that asks you before it runs a command. Don't switch on any mode that runs everything without asking.

Safety rules for letting an AI help on your computer

1. Back up first. Before anything you can't undo, make sure the important files exist somewhere else.
2. Never give it a secret. No passwords, recovery codes, secret keys, 2FA codes or private keys in the chat. When a step needs one, you type it into the official app or website yourself.
3. Read before you run. Ask the AI to explain each command in plain words. If you can't tell what it does, don't run it.
4. Say yes on purpose. Anything that deletes, overwrites, signs out, resets or uninstalls should stop and wait for your yes.
5. Use an empty folder. Start in a folder with nothing else in it.
6. Official sources only. If the AI suggests a download, a script or a site you don't know, stop and ask where it came from.
7. Stop when it looks different. If your screen doesn't match, stop, and describe what you see word for word.
8. Keep security on. Don't turn off encryption, 2FA, a firewall or antivirus for good. If a step needs one off for a moment, it must be turned back on.
9. You are in charge. An AI can be wrong, even a good one. A fix file adds guardrails, but it is not a guarantee.
10. For account recovery, the company decides. No file and no AI can recover an account the company can't.

What next?

Pick a fix in the Fix Library or read the latest articles. If you have a fix that helped you, you can share it. A person reads every one first.

When it works, spend the time you got back on someone you love.