Jetson Orin Nano EXT4-fs Error on Boot Device – How to Fix

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board are experiencing EXT4 filesystem errors during boot, specifically related to the SD card. The symptoms include warnings and errors logged in the dmesg output, indicating issues with mounting the filesystem. Some of the specific messages observed include:

• Warning: "mounting fs with errors, running e2fsck is recommended"
• Errors: "checksum invalid" for multiple inodes.

These errors typically occur during the boot process, making it difficult for users to access their systems or perform necessary repairs. The issue appears to be linked to filesystem corruption on the SD card after multiple reboots, which has been acknowledged as a known problem.

The impact of this issue can be significant, as it prevents users from utilizing their devices effectively and may lead to data loss or further corruption if not addressed promptly. Users have reported that they are unable to run e2fsck directly on the mounted device, complicating recovery efforts.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The SD card being used may be of low quality or incompatible with the Jetson Orin Nano, leading to frequent corruptions.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be underlying software bugs in the operating system or filesystem drivers that contribute to filesystem corruption after reboots.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations related to mounting options or filesystem settings may exacerbate the issue.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or faulty drivers could lead to improper handling of filesystem operations.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could cause unexpected behavior during operation, leading to filesystem corruption.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Improper shutdowns or abrupt power loss can lead to filesystem inconsistencies.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Backup Important Data:

   • If possible, remove the SD card and back up any critical data using another system.

2. Check Hardware:

   • Test with a different SD card known for reliability.
   • Consider switching to NVMe or USB drives for booting, as suggested by users in the forum.

3. Boot from Live Environment:

   • Use a live USB environment to boot the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Once booted into a live environment, you can run e2fsck on the SD card without it being mounted:

     sudo e2fsck -f /dev/mmcblk1p1
     

4. Repair Filesystem:

   • Execute e2fsck with appropriate flags:

     sudo e2fsck -y /dev/mmcblk1p1
     

   • The -y flag automatically answers ‘yes’ to all prompts, allowing for automatic repairs.

5. Monitor System Behavior:

   • After repairs, monitor system performance and check for recurring errors.
   • If issues persist after repairs, consider reformatting the SD card and reinstalling the operating system.

6. Update Firmware and Drivers:

   • Ensure that your Jetson Orin Nano is running the latest firmware and driver versions.
   • Check Nvidia’s official documentation for updates related to your hardware configuration.

7. Follow Best Practices:

   • Avoid abrupt shutdowns; always power down properly.
   • Regularly check filesystem integrity using e2fsck on unmounted filesystems.
   • Consider using higher-quality SD cards designed for embedded systems.

8. Documentation and Support:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for troubleshooting steps related to filesystem issues.
   • Engage with community forums for additional support and shared experiences from other users facing similar problems.

Unresolved aspects of this issue may include specific details about which SD cards are most prone to corruption and whether there are any upcoming software updates that might address these bugs directly. Further investigation into environmental factors affecting performance could also be beneficial.