Cannot Restore NVMe with Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to restore an NVMe drive on the Jetson Orin Nano 8G module using Jetpack 5.1.1. The problem arises during the restore process after successfully backing up the system. Specifically, users encounter the error message: "partx: specified range <1:0> does not make sense." This issue occurs after formatting the NVMe drive to ext4 and executing the restore command. Users have reported that they have replaced USB cables and attempted multiple restores without success. The issue has been consistently noted across various attempts, significantly impacting the user experience by preventing successful restoration of system backups.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: There may be issues with the NVMe drive itself or its compatibility with the Jetson Orin Nano.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The version of Jetpack being used may contain bugs that affect backup and restore functionalities.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the backup and restore scripts could lead to errors during operation.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may hinder proper communication with the NVMe device.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or overheating could contribute to operational failures.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrect commands or parameters during backup and restore processes may result in failure.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Diagnosing the Problem:

   • Check logs for detailed error messages by reviewing flash_log.txt and device_log.txt.
   • Use the command:

     dmesg | grep nvme
     

     to check for NVMe-related errors.

2. Review Configuration Files:

   • Ensure that changes made in nvrestore_partitions.sh and nvbackup_partitions.sh are correct.
   • Confirm that mmcblk0 references have been properly changed to nvme0n1.

3. Apply Suggested Patches:

   • Apply the following patch to nvrestore_partitions.sh as suggested by forum users:

     diff --git a/scripts/backup-restore/nvrestore_partitions.sh b/scripts/backup-restore/nvrestore_partitions.sh
     index 78ae589..695a700 100755
     --- a/scripts/backup-restore/nvrestore_partitions.sh
     +++ b/scripts/backup-restore/nvrestore_partitions.sh
     @@ -313,10 +313,18 @@
             echo "${SCRIPT_NAME} Checksum of ${FIELDS[2]} does not match the checksum in the index file."
             exit 1
         fi
     -       # partx delete must be called before flashing, and partx add after flashing.
     -       partx -d "/dev/${INTERNAL_STORAGE_DEVICE}"
     +       # Delete previous GPT if it exists.
     +       if partx -s "/dev/${INTERNAL_STORAGE_DEVICE}" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
     +           partx -d "/dev/${INTERNAL_STORAGE_DEVICE}"
     +       fi
     +       # Flash GPT image, refresh and validate.
         dd if="${FIELDS[1]}" of="/dev/${INTERNAL_STORAGE_DEVICE}"
     +       sync
         partx -v -a "/dev/${INTERNAL_STORAGE_DEVICE}"
     +       if ! partx -s "/dev/${INTERNAL_STORAGE_DEVICE}" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
     +           echo "Error: GPT does not exist on the /dev/${INTERNAL_STORAGE_DEVICE}"
     +           exit 1
     +       fi
         GPT_EXISTS=true
         break
         fi
     

4. Manual Installation of Older Versions:

   • If issues persist, consider manually downloading Jetpack version 35.5 and replacing files in Linux_for_Tegra/tools/backup_restore/.

5. Testing Different Configurations:

   • Test with different USB cables or ports to rule out connectivity issues.
   • Attempt restoring on a different NVMe drive if available.

6. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide for detailed instructions on backup and restore procedures.

7. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Regularly update Jetpack and ensure all drivers are current.
   • Maintain backups in multiple formats to prevent data loss.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Further investigation may be needed regarding specific hardware compatibility issues with certain NVMe models.
   • Users should monitor NVIDIA forums for updates on software patches and community solutions.

By following these steps, users can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve issues related to restoring NVMe drives on their Jetson Orin Nano modules.