JupyterHub Troubleshooting Tips

Issues

• I get an "Error 404" when I try to log in to JupyterHub.
• My JupyterHub login is not working.
• The browser seems to hang while I am running a notebook.
• I see the message "_xsrf argument missing from POST".
• I cannot reach JupyterHub from off campus.
• JupyterHub will not load on the GUEST Wi-Fi network.
• How do I restart my Jupyter notebook server?
• I am seeing strange errors in JupyterHub.

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff who use JupyterHub at https://jupyter.bowdoin.edu.

Resolution

• Do not use "@bowdoin.edu" as part of your login account. If your Bowdoin account is jsmith, type only jsmith. If you get an "Error 404", you probably typed @bowdoin.edu when you logged in. Log out and try again.
• The login account should be all lowercase letters. Some browsers capitalize the first letter, which breaks authentication.
• If you are running a notebook and the browser seems to hang, wait a minute or two. If the server is running a really intensive process, it can take a bit before the browser is refreshed and interactive again.
• You see the message "_xsrf argument missing from POST". Go to the browser tab that lists your file contents and open a new notebook using the New button near the upper right. This may clear the error message and allow you to go back to the tab with your first notebook and save your work.
• If you are off campus, connect to the campus VPN before you access JupyterHub. See Setting Up the VPN on Your Computer or iPad in the Related Articles section, or contact the Service Desk if you need assistance with the VPN.
• Do not use the "GUEST" Wi-Fi network. All faculty, staff, and students should use either the "BOWDOIN" or "eduroam" Wi-Fi networks, since they are faster and allow access to campus services such as JupyterHub that you cannot reach from the "GUEST" network.
• If you encounter other strange errors, restarting your Jupyter notebook server can sometimes clear them up. Click Control Panel in the upper right, then Stop My Server. Wait 10 to 15 seconds, then click Start My Server, then Launch Server.
• If you run into something not covered here, take a screenshot, jot down a few notes describing what you were doing at the time, and send them to the Service Desk.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

• Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
• Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
• In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
• Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.