Unable to activate Sandbox for Azure training exercises

Hi,

I had followed all the recommended steps previously without luck, including:

1. Signing out of MS accounts in my browser; signing in to the Learn account
2. Proper browser config including clearing cache and enabling cookies
3. Also private window mode

None of it worked. I tried again this morning and it was also not successful. This morning though there was a difference, which I assume is due to starting from the very beginning once again (i.e. clearing cache and being signed out of everything). I was asked for permissions:

After I Accepted the request, I was then asked to sign in, even though I'm already signed, as shown in the Pick an account dialog.

Unfortunately, I then ended up in a loop with the above "Sign in" dialog about 5 or 6 times. Then it somehow got past it to the Verify step, which I had already been through once at the very beginning. I verified I was a human being thinking it will now work. It did not not. I am once again back a the same spot of:

I appreciate the help given thus far but at this time I can say that the problem is unlikely due to me not following the recommended steps and browser settings. I will try again later today but the amount of time I spent on this so far begs the question whether the Sandbox setup, process, and procedures are overly complicated and error-prone (also as apparent in the many user Q&As regarding issues with the Sandbox).

Thanks,

Oskar S

Hi Oskar,

I'd recommend clearing your cache on your browser.

https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

Next, I would make sure that you have Storage account as the shell cannot run without it:

"The Azure Cloud Shell service stores information about your Cloud Shell storage and your terminal preferences. You can view this information using one of the following examples." "When reconnecting to Cloud Shell, you're prompted to attach a storage account. You can create a new storage account or reattach the existing storage account that you used previously."

Cited from https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cloud-shell/faq-troubleshooting#managing-cloud-shell

If this is helpful please accept answer.

Hi Dillon,

I did clear the browser's cache. I even did a fresh install of a Firefox browser and started it in Private Window mode. No luck. The PowerShell instructions at

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cloud-shell/faq-troubleshooting#managing-cloud-shell

don't work for me - I get an error. However, I am able to login to my Azure Portal and confirmed that I have a Cloudshell Storage account.

I am one of dozens of folks in our organization going through the Azure training at this time. I know of a couple others (there are likely more) who are having the same issue even though Sandbox worked for them last week.

Oskar

Hi Oskar S,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum.

We understand that you are facing issues in connecting to Azure Cloud shell after activating the sandbox from the Microsoft Learn path.

Cloud Shell is a free service for managing your Azure environment. It's not a general purpose computing platform. Excessive usage might be considered a breach of the Azure Terms of Service, which result in having your access to Cloud Shell blocked.

We understand that you have been trying multiple ways but it is not working for you, we request you to try the following steps before you try to activate a sandbox:

1.Log out from all Microsoft accounts in your browser, clear the cache and try to login to your Learn account using the proper credentials.

2.Browser Compatibility: Ensure that you are using a supported and up-to-date browser.

3.Browser Settings: Check if your browser is blocking any necessary cookies or scripts.

4.Incognito/Private Mode: Try using the incognito/private mode in your browser to rule out any cache or cookie issues.

Azure Subscription is not needed to complete any of the exercises in AZ-900 learn path. All the exercises that need Azure portal access have a Concierge subscription using which we can complete the tasks given in the exercises.

If the information provided has been helpful to you then please accept the answer by clicking the Accept Answer on the post. we value your feedback, and it will help us to assist others who might have a similar query.

Thank you for your contribution in enhancing Microsoft Q&A.

Thank you.

Hi,

Sorry, I was trying to avoid pasting sensitive information but missed my ID in one screen shot, which I now corrected.

As to the issue, I was able to finally get past it late yesterday after a suggestion within my organization. Doing the below two steps, with #2 likely doing the trick, allowed me to finally get the cloud shell. As I mentioned previously, I've always had the required Storage Account but never really clicked into it - maybe that's what was needed to make some sort of a missing association.

1. Post activating sandbox use "Sign in to the Azure portal" option.
2. Click on cloud shell icon - let it throw the error

Thanks,

Oskar S