OllamaModelLoadError
ollama.client.OllamaModelLoadError
Stack trace
ollama.client.OllamaModelLoadError: Failed to load GGUF model from path '/models/my_model.gguf': file not found or invalid format
File "ollama/client.py", line 142, in load_model
raise OllamaModelLoadError(f"Failed to load GGUF model from path '{path}'")
File "app.py", line 27, in main
model = client.load_model(model_path) # triggers error Why it happens
This error occurs when Ollama attempts to load a GGUF model file that is missing, corrupted, or not compatible with the Ollama runtime. The GGUF format must be valid and the file path must be correct. Incompatible or incomplete GGUF files cause the loader to fail.
Detection
Check for OllamaModelLoadError exceptions during model loading and verify the GGUF file path and integrity before runtime to catch issues early.
Causes & fixes
The GGUF model file path is incorrect or the file does not exist.
Verify the model file path is correct and the GGUF file exists at that location before calling load_model.
The GGUF model file is corrupted or incomplete.
Re-download or regenerate the GGUF model file ensuring it is fully intact and not truncated.
The GGUF model format version is incompatible with the installed Ollama runtime.
Update Ollama to the latest version that supports the GGUF model format version you are using.
Insufficient file read permissions for the GGUF model file.
Ensure the process running Ollama has read permissions on the GGUF model file and directory.
Code: broken vs fixed
from ollama import OllamaClient
client = OllamaClient()
model_path = '/models/my_model.gguf'
model = client.load_model(model_path) # triggers OllamaModelLoadError if file missing or invalid
print('Model loaded successfully')import os
import ollama
model_path = '/models/my_model.gguf'
try:
response = ollama.chat(model=model_path, messages=[{"role": "system", "content": "Load model"}])
print('Model loaded successfully')
except Exception as e:
print(f'Error loading model: {e}')Workaround
Catch OllamaModelLoadError and implement a fallback to load a default or previously cached model to keep the app running.
Prevention
Validate GGUF model files and paths during deployment, automate model integrity checks, and keep Ollama runtime updated to support the latest GGUF formats.