Orange Pi Plus Ubuntu 15 crashes at login and now nothing works

vailixi · Published in 2015-10-24 14:11:40

I tried to install the Ubuntu 15.04 image.
So I followed the instructions on imaging the SD card. Then I booted the machine. Then installed to the EMMC. Now when I boot the login comes up and I login. Then NOTHING. Like no BASH. No Desktop. Nothing at all. And now I can't boot from the SD again. I tried booting several images and I get nothing. I have no idea how to change the boot order or anything like that.

So I did everything the startup guide and the install instructions said. But that's not working. How does one CORRECTLY install an operating system on Orange Pi Plus?

loboris · Published in 2015-10-24 19:00:49

When the sdcard is inserted the system boots from sdcard, if not it boots from emmc.
Are you preparing the sdcard on Windows or Linux ?
After preparing the card (with dd or burning software) it is best to remove it then insert it again and check if you can acces the fat partition.
On Windows always use the "safely remove hardware" icon before phisicaly removing the card.
On Linux, use the "sudo sync" command before removing.
Be shure you've copied the right script.bin and uImage for OPI-PLUS before booting.

vailixi · Published in 2015-10-25 02:36:05

I'm on a Linux machine. I used dd to copy the image.

I'm not sure what you mean by checking the FAT partition. If I run fdisk -l it shows the partitions on my sd card as /dev/sdb1/ and /dev/sdb2 or something like that and they appear to be right.

I imaged the card from a Debian box. I used the Ubuntu image from this site. I booted the thing up and I got login. I logged in a got a terminal session. I tried install any of the desktop environments but it was telling me I don't have enough space. But I know even a full Ubuntu install only takes 5.5GB. The Desktop only needed 500mb which should have been a go but the Desktop install failed. Then I decided I would go ahead and save the operating system to the EMMC with

install_to_emmc

Copy code

Not sure if that is actually the BASH line I typed as I don't access to the command line history on the Orange Pi Plus.

So now the system boots to the Ubuntu login page with or without the SD card inserted. The I enter login credentials and it just does nothing but black screen after I enter the password. I'm not sure if my explaination is making sense.

While I'm kinda frustrated with the Orange Pi experience so far. I really like that idea of an unattended install.

Can the Orange Pi Plus LAN boot or boot from a SATA drive if installed?

loboris · Published in 2015-10-25 03:22:01

vailixi replied at 2015-10-24 19:36
I'm on a Linux machine. I used dd to copy the image.

I'm not sure what you mean by checking the FAT ...

After copying the image to the sdcard you have to mount the fat partition and copy the correct script.bin and uImage.
After booting you have to resize the linux partition ti fit your sdcard size using fs_resize.
You can download the image with Desktop installed, you don't need to install it using the script.
It is all described in the first post of this thread.

If the bootable sdcard is inserted, the system must boot from it.

vailixi · Published in 2015-10-25 03:53:08

Edited by vailixi at 2015-10-25 03:57

Where do I get scriptbin_kernel.tar.gz?
I don't get why this stuff isn't included in the image for easy install.
I don't get the whole screen resolution thing. Why not code a screen manager? That doesn't make sense to me at all.

Since this can pretty much be done from command line why not just write a script?

Can you post your command line history for successful imaging process.

history

Copy code

Survive-Pi · Published in 2015-10-25 11:34:42

Edited by Survive-Pi at 2015-10-24 20:41

Double post removed...

Survive-Pi · Published in 2015-10-25 11:37:14

Edited by Survive-Pi at 2015-10-24 21:01

vailixi replied at 2015-10-24 12:53
Where do I get scriptbin_kernel.tar.gz?
I don't get why this stuff isn't included in the image for e ...

http://www.orangepi.org/orangepibbsen/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=342&extra=page%3D1 Read, then click on 'Mega'.

http://vosse.blogspot.ca/2015/10 ... s-on-orange-pi.html
same instructions, different wording, helps clarify.

loboris is a totally volunteer magic worker, creating, fine tuning, customizing and trouble shooting numerous choices of OS, giving us software that actually works on these boards, all in his free-time. Please treat with respect!

vailixi · Published in 2015-10-25 14:58:44

Booted this thing into Ubuntu MATE desktop. Everything seems to be working except ethernet. I'm thinking it's a Linux issue and I have to manually start ethernet. I've never had to that on any operating system though. So it's a bit odd. I realize the minimalist nature of the board and the software is going to leave out some of the bells and whistles. Anyhow I got the wireless to work.

Anyhow so this thing with ulmage and the screen resolutions, does this have to do the minimal hardware? Most Linux will detect screen resolution and adjust accordingly. Anyhow my res for the monitor I want to is not one of the available selections so I just used the 1080 and it's a bit cropped on the edges but liveable. I'll check out the source and see if it is something I'd be comfortable with building myself.

Thanks for responses.