Transferring Jetson Linux OS from 256GB SSD to 500GB SSD on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to transfer their Jetson Linux operating system and associated files from a 256GB SSD to a 500GB SSD on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The main symptoms include:

• Inability to boot from the new SSD after copying files.
• Errors indicating that the target board is invalid when using backup scripts.
• Issues with Windows not recognizing ext4 partitions, making file transfers difficult.

The problem typically arises during the migration process, particularly when users try to copy files directly under Windows or when they attempt to use Linux tools without proper configuration. Users have reported inconsistent results, with some successfully migrating data while others encounter various errors.

The impact of this issue is significant, as it prevents users from easily upgrading their storage while retaining their configurations and files, ultimately hindering productivity and workflow.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The new SSD may not be compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano, or there may be issues related to partitioning schemes.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be bugs in the backup/restore scripts or conflicts between different software versions.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the backup scripts or failure to execute commands in the appropriate directory can lead to errors.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may prevent proper recognition of the new SSD.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect performance during the transfer process.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may not follow the correct procedures for backing up and restoring their systems, leading to incomplete transfers.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Prepare for Migration:

   • Ensure that both SSDs are properly connected and recognized by the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Boot into a Linux environment (preferably Ubuntu) as Windows does not support ext4 partitions natively.

2. Use Backup/Restore Scripts:

   • Navigate to the Linux_for_Tegra directory where the backup scripts are located.
   • Execute the following commands:

     $ systemctl stop udisks2.service
     $ sudo tools/l4t_flash_prerequisites.sh
     $ sudo service nfs-kernel-server start
     $ sudo ./tools/backup_restore/l4t_backup_restore.sh -b jetson-orin-nano-devkit
     

   • Ensure that you replace mmcblk with nvme0n1 if using NVMe drives.

3. Check for Partitioning Issues:

   • Verify that all necessary partitions are present on the original SSD. Use tools like lsblk or fdisk -l to list partitions.
   • If missing partitions are identified, research how to create them using tools like gparted.

4. Cloning Tools:

   • Consider using cloning tools such as dd or Clonezilla if backup scripts do not yield results. This method will clone all partitions but ensure you resize them afterward if needed.
   • Example command for cloning:

     $ sudo dd if=/dev/sdX of=/dev/sdY bs=4M status=progress
     

   Replace /dev/sdX with your source SSD and /dev/sdY with your target SSD.

5. Verify Configuration Files:

   • Check for the presence of configuration files like jetson-orin-nano-devkit.conf in the Linux_for_Tegra directory.
   • Ensure that you are executing scripts in the correct directory where these configuration files reside.

6. Logs and Error Messages:

   • Collect logs from your operations and review error messages carefully. If an error occurs, share logs with community forums for assistance.
   • Use commands like dmesg or check /var/log/syslog for additional diagnostic information.

7. Best Practices for Future Transfers:

   • Always back up important data before attempting migrations.
   • Familiarize yourself with partition management tools in Linux.
   • Document your processes for future reference.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Further investigation may be needed regarding specific partition requirements for booting from the new SSD.
   • Users should confirm compatibility of their new SSD with Jetson Orin Nano specifications before proceeding with migration attempts.

By following these steps, users should be able to successfully transfer their Jetson Linux OS and configurations from a 256GB SSD to a 500GB SSD while minimizing potential issues during the process.