Request help with orin Nano backup and recovery issues

Issue Overview

Some users are experiencing problems when attempting to backup and restore the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board using the l4t_backup_restore.sh script provided in the Linux_for_Tegra package. The specific symptoms reported include:

• After executing the backup command, the system becomes stuck at the boot EFI stage and fails to boot properly.
• Restore operations also result in the system being fixed in the boot EFI stage, preventing successful restoration of the backup.

The issue seems to occur consistently when following the steps outlined in the README_backup_restore.txt file included with the package. The problem has been observed on systems running:

• Ubuntu 20.04 on the host PC
• Jetson Linux version 36.3 GA on the Orin Nano
• JetPack 6.0

The failed backup and restore process is significantly impacting users’ ability to create reliable system backups and recover their Orin Nano devices in case of issues.

Possible Causes

There are several potential reasons why the backup and restore operations may be failing on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board:

1. Incompatibility or bugs in the l4t_backup_restore.sh script:
   The script may contain errors or be incompatible with the specific software versions being used (Jetson Linux 36.3 GA, JetPack 6.0).

2. Incorrect script usage or missing parameters:
   Users may be running the script with incorrect syntax, missing required arguments, or using inappropriate options for their setup.

3. Issues with the boot EFI partition or bootloader configuration:
   Problems with the boot EFI partition, such as corruption or misconfiguration, could prevent the system from booting properly after backup or restore.

4. Insufficient storage space or disk errors:
   If there is not enough free space on the device or if the storage media has errors, the backup and restore operations may fail or result in corrupted data.

5. Conflicts with other installed software or customizations:
   Third-party software, custom configurations, or modifications to the system may interfere with the backup and restore process.

6. Bug or limitations in the Jetson Linux or JetPack software:
   There could be underlying issues or limitations in the Jetson Linux 36.3 GA or JetPack 6.0 software that are causing the backup and restore failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To troubleshoot and potentially resolve the backup and restore issues on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board, follow these steps:

1. Verify script usage:

   • Double-check that you are running the l4t_backup_restore.sh script with the correct syntax and required arguments as documented in the README_backup_restore.txt file.
   • Ensure you are using the appropriate options for your specific setup and requirements.

2. Check storage space and disk health:

   • Confirm that there is sufficient free space on the device for the backup and restore operations.
   • Run disk check utilities (e.g., fsck) to identify and fix any potential disk errors or corruption.

3. Review boot EFI partition and bootloader:

   • Boot into recovery mode and examine the boot EFI partition for any signs of corruption or misconfiguration.
   • Verify that the bootloader (e.g., U-Boot) is properly installed and configured on the device.
   • Consider reinstalling or updating the bootloader if issues are found.

4. Test with a clean setup:

   • If possible, try the backup and restore process on a fresh installation of Jetson Linux 36.3 GA and JetPack 6.0 to rule out conflicts with other software or customizations.
   • This will help determine if the issue is specific to your current setup or a general problem with the script or software versions.

5. Seek community support and official resources:

   • Search the official Nvidia Jetson forums and community resources for similar reports and potential solutions shared by other users.
   • Consider reaching out to Nvidia’s technical support or filing a bug report if the issue appears to be a software defect in Jetson Linux or JetPack.

6. Explore alternative backup and restore methods:

   • Investigate other backup and restore solutions or tools compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano, such as third-party scripts or disk cloning utilities.
   • These alternatives may provide more reliable or flexible options for backing up and restoring your device.

7. Stay updated with software patches and releases:

   • Keep an eye out for any updates, patches, or new releases of Jetson Linux and JetPack that may address the backup and restore issues.
   • Regularly check Nvidia’s official channels and release notes for information on bug fixes and improvements related to this problem.

Remember to proceed with caution and create backups of important data before attempting any troubleshooting steps or modifications to your Jetson Orin Nano system.