Get started with Azure OpenAI Studio Lab frequently stops and then isn't available

Question

I have been attempting to complete the OpenAI Studio as part of the OpenAI Skills Challenge for OpenAI. I find that my lab environment terminates unexpectedly, and when I try to restart it I get an error.

Usually the error is:

:-( Sorry, this lab is no longer available.

I can usually get it to work again by refreshing the learning page, clicking on "Launch Lab," authenticating, then clicking on "Start Lab."

This is becoming tedious, why does the lab stop, and why do I have to go through these steps to restart it? Would be ice if there was a URL to return directly to the lab.

This question is related to the following Learning Module

Answer 1

Hi Mark Ericson,

Thanks for reaching out to us on Microsoft Q&A forum.

In most OpenAI exercises, the lab we use is like a virtual playground where we practice different tasks. But there's a catch—it has a time limit. If we don't finish our work in that time, the lab closes on its own. When we try to log in again, it won't let us because the lab session has ended. So, to start over, we have to clear the browser's cache and history and then try again. That's like wiping the slate clean so we can have a fresh start!

We recommend following the troubleshooting steps outlined below:

1.Ensure that you possess the necessary permissions to access the lab client simulator. Access may sometimes be restricted to specific users or roles. If you are accessing the simulator as part of a training module or course, verify that you are logged in with the correct account and that your account has the appropriate permissions.

2.Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can often resolve temporary issues with accessing web applications. Please clear your browser cache and cookies, then refresh the page and attempt to access the lab client simulator again.

3.Browser-specific issues may occasionally prevent access to certain web applications. Try accessing the lab client simulator using a different web browser to determine if the issue persists.

If you find this information helpful, please consider accepting the answer by clicking the "Upvote" and "Accept Answer" buttons on the post.

Thank you.