Jetson Orin Nano Gets Stuck at Login Screen

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board have reported encountering a problem where the device gets stuck at the login screen. This issue typically arises after users attempt to modify user privileges or group memberships, particularly regarding sudo access.

Symptoms

• The device hangs at the login screen, preventing user access.
• Users are unable to execute commands requiring sudo privileges, receiving errors stating they are not included in the sudoers file.

Context

• The issue commonly occurs after users attempt to change their user permissions using commands like usermod.
• Users have connected through USB and utilized terminal programs like PuTTY for access.

Hardware/Software Specifications

• The device is running a Linux-based operating system typical for Jetson boards.
• Users typically have been attempting to modify their user privileges to gain root access without a password.

Frequency

The problem has been reported by multiple users, indicating it is not an isolated incident.

Impact

The inability to log in and use sudo severely impacts user experience and functionality, as it restricts access to essential commands and system modifications.

Possible Causes

• User Privilege Modification: Incorrectly modifying user group memberships can lead to loss of sudo privileges.

• Configuration Errors: Misconfigurations in user settings can prevent proper login and command execution.

• Driver Issues: While less likely, issues with drivers or system files could contribute to login problems.

• User Errors: Commands executed without understanding their implications (e.g., removing oneself from the sudo group) can lead to critical access issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Diagnosing the Problem

   • Attempt to log in via SSH if possible; this may allow for command execution without needing direct access.
   • Check the /etc/environment file for any anomalies in the environment variables that could affect login.

2. Recovering sudo Access

   • If you have another admin account available, log in with that account and restore your original user’s privileges.
   • If no other accounts exist:
     • You may need to flash the device again or edit the SD card on another Linux PC if applicable.
     • For eMMC models, consider cloning the SD card for backup before proceeding.

3. Commands for Recovery

   • To regain root access without using sudo, you might try:

     sudo -s  # For a root shell
     sudo -   # For actual root login
     

   • If you need to unlock the root account:

     sudo passwd root  # Set a password for the root account
     

4. Re-flashing the Device

   • If recovery is not feasible, re-flashing the Jetson Orin Nano with a fresh OS image may be necessary.
   • Ensure you back up any valuable data from the SD card before re-flashing.

5. Best Practices

   • Avoid modifying group memberships unless you fully understand the implications.
   • Regularly back up your data and configuration settings.
   • Consider using key-based SSH access for improved security and ease of use.

6. Further Investigation

   • Users should explore forums or documentation related to unlocking root accounts or managing user permissions effectively.
   • Look for updates or patches that may address known issues with user management on Jetson devices.

This structured approach aims to assist users facing similar issues with their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev boards, ensuring they can resolve access problems effectively while minimizing disruption.