Ubuntu Operating System Fails to Start on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users have reported issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board where the Ubuntu operating system fails to start after installation. The primary symptoms include:

• The system does not boot into the Ubuntu OS, leaving users unable to access the desktop environment or command line.
• The issue arises immediately after attempting to start the device post-installation of Ubuntu.

In the context of this problem, users have not provided specific hardware configurations, but it is implied that they are using the Jetson Orin Nano Dev board with a fresh installation of Ubuntu. The frequency of this issue is unclear, as only a few users have commented on their experiences. However, the impact on user experience is significant, as it prevents access to the development environment necessary for utilizing the capabilities of the Jetson platform.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes could be leading to this issue:

• Incomplete Installation: If the installation process was interrupted or not completed properly, it may result in a non-functional operating system.

• Corrupted Installation Media: If the USB drive or SD card used for installation is corrupted or improperly formatted, it could lead to boot failures.

• Hardware Incompatibilities: There may be compatibility issues between the installed version of Ubuntu and the Jetson Orin Nano hardware.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect BIOS or UEFI settings might prevent the system from booting correctly.

• Driver Issues: Missing or incompatible drivers can lead to failures in loading necessary components during startup.

• Power Supply Problems: Insufficient power supply could cause instability during boot-up.

Each of these causes can lead to a failure in starting the operating system, resulting in a frustrating experience for users.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To diagnose and potentially resolve the issue, users can follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Installation Media:

   • Ensure that the USB drive or SD card used for installation is properly formatted and contains a valid image of Ubuntu for Jetson devices.
   • Use tools like Balena Etcher or Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.

2. Reinstall Ubuntu:

   • If there are concerns about a corrupted installation, consider reinstalling Ubuntu. Follow these steps:
     • Download the latest compatible version of Ubuntu for Jetson from Nvidia’s official website.
     • Use a reliable method to create a bootable installation media.

3. Verify Power Supply:

   • Ensure that the power supply meets the required specifications for the Jetson Orin Nano. An inadequate power supply can cause boot issues.

4. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings:

   • Access BIOS/UEFI settings during startup and ensure that:
     • Secure Boot is disabled (if applicable).
     • The boot order prioritizes USB or SD card as appropriate.

5. Monitor Boot Process:

   • If possible, connect a monitor to observe any error messages during boot-up which might provide clues about what is failing.

6. Gather Logs and Error Messages:

   • If any logs are accessible (e.g., via recovery mode), collect them for analysis. This may help identify specific errors preventing booting.

7. Test with Different Hardware Configurations:

   • If available, test with another Jetson Orin Nano board or different peripherals (keyboard, mouse) to rule out hardware issues.

8. Consult Documentation and Community Forums:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for troubleshooting tips specific to Jetson devices.
   • Engage with community forums for additional insights and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

9. Driver Updates:

   • Ensure that all necessary drivers are updated post-installation. This can usually be done through terminal commands once access is gained.

10. Best Practices for Future Installations:

    • Always verify installation media integrity before proceeding with installations.
    • Keep backups of important data before performing installations or updates.

If multiple users report success with any particular solution during further discussions, it should be noted as a recommended approach in future troubleshooting efforts.

Unresolved aspects of this issue may include specific error codes displayed during boot attempts and detailed logs that could provide further insight into underlying problems. Further investigation into these areas may be necessary for complete resolution.