Getting the UEFI Shell on Boot Due to Incorrect Image File Selection

Issue Overview

Users have reported encountering a UEFI shell prompt when attempting to boot the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board. This issue typically arises when an incorrect image file is written to the SD card, specifically an x64 Ubuntu ISO instead of the correct Jetson-compatible image.

Symptoms:

• Users see a UEFI shell prompt instead of the expected boot sequence.

Context:

• The problem occurs during the boot process after writing an OS image to the SD card.
• The issue has been consistently observed when users mistakenly select the wrong image file.

Hardware and Software Specifications:

• Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board
• SD card used for booting

Frequency:

• This issue appears to be common among users who are new to setting up their devices or those who are unfamiliar with the correct image files.

Impact:

• The UEFI shell prompt can be confusing for users, especially those without prior experience with UEFI environments. It may lead to frustration and hinder the initial setup process.

Possible Causes

• Incorrect Image File: Writing an incompatible or incorrect OS image (e.g., x64 Ubuntu ISO) can lead to the system not recognizing a valid bootable environment, resulting in a UEFI shell prompt.

• UEFI Bootloader: The default bootloader for the Jetson Orin series is UEFI. If no valid bootable image is detected, it defaults to showing the UEFI shell.

• User Error: Mistakes in selecting or writing the correct image file can easily occur, particularly for those unfamiliar with the process.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Image File:

   • Ensure that you are using a compatible image for the Jetson Orin Nano. Check Nvidia’s official documentation for the correct OS images.

2. Reformat and Rewrite SD Card:

   • Use a tool like Balena Etcher or Rufus to properly format and write the correct image file to your SD card.
   • Example command for Linux users using dd:

     sudo dd if=/path/to/correct/image.img of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
     

   • Replace /dev/sdX with your actual SD card device identifier.

3. Boot from Correct Device:

   • After rewriting the SD card, ensure that your Jetson Orin Nano is set to boot from that SD card in its BIOS/UEFI settings.

4. Check Boot Configuration:

   • If you continue to see a UEFI shell, check if there are any other devices connected that might be interfering with the boot sequence.

5. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official resources for troubleshooting boot issues related to UEFI and Jetson devices.

6. Prevent Future Issues:

   • Always double-check the selected image file before writing it to your SD card.
   • Keep a list of compatible images and their sources handy for future reference.

Recommended Approach

Multiple users have found success by ensuring they use only officially supported images for their specific device model, thus avoiding confusion and potential issues during setup.