How to Recover After GUI Faulty Disabled on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano 4GB with JetPack V5.0.1 have reported issues after inadvertently disabling the graphical user interface (GUI) by executing the command:

sudo systemctl set-default multi-user.target

This command switches the system to a multi-user mode without a graphical interface, which can lead to the following symptoms:

• Inability to access the GUI, resulting in a loss of visual interaction with the system.
• Users are left without terminal access, complicating recovery efforts.
• The issue arises primarily during setup or after configuration changes aimed at optimizing memory usage.

The frequency of this issue seems to vary, but it is significant enough that users are seeking solutions in forums. The impact on user experience is considerable, as it restricts functionality and usability of the device.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes can lead to the issue of a disabled GUI:

• Incorrect Command Usage: The command used to disable the GUI is intended for different use cases and can inadvertently lock users out of graphical access.

• Software Bugs: JetPack V5.0.1 is not a production release, which may contain unresolved bugs that contribute to instability when changing system states.

• Configuration Errors: Setting the default target to multi-user mode may not be appropriate for all users, particularly those relying on GUI applications.

• Driver Issues: Incompatibilities or outdated drivers may prevent proper GUI initialization upon boot.

• User Errors: Misunderstanding the implications of system commands can lead to unintended configurations.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To recover from a disabled GUI on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Accessing the Device:

   • Use a debug UART connection to log into the device. This method provides a serial console interface that allows you to execute commands directly.
   • For guidance on setting up a serial console, refer to resources such as JetsonHacks.

2. Re-enabling the GUI:

   • Once logged in through UART, execute the following command to revert back to graphical mode:

     sudo systemctl set-default graphical.target
     

   • After executing this command, reboot your device:

     sudo reboot
     

3. Upgrading JetPack:

   • Since JetPack V5.0.1 is not a stable release, consider upgrading to a more stable version such as JetPack 5.1.3 (r35.5.0) or 6.0GA (r36.3). This can resolve underlying bugs and improve overall system stability.
   • Follow instructions from Nvidia’s official documentation for upgrading JetPack.

4. Best Practices:

   • Always back up your configuration before making significant changes.
   • Familiarize yourself with commands and their implications before execution.
   • Monitor forums and community discussions for updates on stable releases and common issues.

5. Further Investigation:

   • If problems persist after re-enabling the GUI or upgrading JetPack, consider checking for driver updates or engaging with community forums for additional support.

By following these steps, users should be able to restore their GUI functionality and enhance their experience with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board.