Booting from Backup Kernel Image on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are encountering difficulties booting their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano after compiling a custom kernel that does not function as expected. They seek guidance on how to revert to a previously backed-up kernel image.

• Symptoms: The user reports that after compiling and attempting to boot from a custom kernel, the system fails to start. The user wishes to boot from a backup kernel image instead.

• Context: The issue arises during the boot process after the user has manually compiled their own kernel. They have attempted to revert by adding the backup image to the boot configuration file.

• Hardware/Software Specifications:

  • Device: Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano
  • JetPack Version: Not specified in detail but relevant to the setup.
  • Boot Method: Unclear if booting from an external NVMe SSD or other storage.

• Frequency: This issue may be common among users who experiment with custom kernel compilations on Jetson devices.

• Impact on User Experience: The inability to boot successfully can significantly disrupt development workflows and prevent users from accessing their devices.

Possible Causes

Several factors may contribute to the inability to boot from the backup kernel image:

• Incorrect Boot Configuration: The extlinux.conf file may not be configured correctly, preventing the system from recognizing or loading the backup image.

• Kernel Compatibility Issues: The custom kernel may have introduced compatibility issues that affect how the system boots or interacts with hardware components.

• Backup Image Corruption: The backup image itself may be corrupted or improperly created, leading to failures when attempting to boot from it.

• File Permissions or Ownership Issues: Incorrect permissions or ownership settings on the backup image or related files could prevent successful access during boot.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve issues related to booting from a backup kernel image on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, follow these steps:

1. Verify Backup Image Location:

   • Ensure that the backup image is correctly placed in the /boot/ directory and named appropriately (e.g., Image.backup).

2. Check extlinux.conf Configuration:

   • Open the extlinux.conf file located at /boot/extlinux/extlinux.conf and verify that it points to the correct backup image:

     LABEL primary
     LINUX /boot/Image.backup
     INITRD /boot/initrd
     APPEND root=/dev/mmcblk0p1 rw
     

   • Make sure there are no typos in the file path and that it matches the actual name of your backup image.

3. Access Root Filesystem:

   • If possible, access the root filesystem of your Jetson device via recovery mode or another method. This allows you to make changes directly if needed.

4. Use Serial Console for Logs:

   • If you have access to a serial console, connect it and monitor logs during the boot process for any errors or messages that can provide insight into what is failing.

     screen /dev/ttyUSB0 115200
     

5. Reflash if Necessary:

   • If all else fails and you cannot recover using the backup image, consider reflashing your device with a stable version of JetPack. Ensure you back up any important data before proceeding.

6. Test Booting with Different Images:

   • If you have multiple backups or images, try booting with each one to determine if the issue is specific to a particular image.

7. Consult Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for guidance on configuring boot options and troubleshooting boot issues.
   • Engage with community forums for additional insights from users who may have faced similar challenges.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Users may still need clarification regarding specific configurations required for successful operation of custom kernels.
   • Further investigation into potential hardware limitations or defects may be necessary if standard troubleshooting does not resolve the problem.

By following these steps, users should be able to troubleshoot and potentially resolve issues related to booting their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano devices from a backup kernel image.