Restore NI Linux RT Target to Factory Default Configuration

This article explains how to restore an NI Linux Real-Time device to the factory default configuration. This may be necessary for the following reasons:

• To reset the password for the target.
• To restore my CompactRIO (cRIO), sbRIO, PXI Real-Time controller, stand-alone USRP controller, or other real-time targets to factory default.
• To format the disk and reinstall software

The method of restoration differs depending on the operating system of the target. Please refer to Real-Time Controllers and Real-Time Operating System Compatibility to determine which operating system each real-time target is running.

This article is focused on NI Linux Real-Time Targets (Intel x64-based targets), please consult the following if you have another device:

• Phar Lap and VxWorks Real-Time Targets >> Restore NI Phar Lap and VxWorks RT Target to Factory Default Configuration
• Linux Real-Time targets (ARM-based targets) >> Contact NI Support.

Please note the following before restoring your RT target to the factory default configuration:

• When you format the disk, you will lose all programs and configuration data on your controller. Make sure you have a backup copy of any files you may need from your controller and make a note of your IP configuration. There is no need to back up any of the driver or run-time files as they will be reinstalled after the format.

In this guide are the following sections:

1. Method Requirements
2. Method 1: Recovering a NI Linux Real-Time target with a monitor and keyboard
3. Method 2: Recovering a NI Linux Real-Time target without a monitor and keyboard 

Method Requirements

To use the methods/utilities with your controller, you will need the following tools: 

• FAT16 or FAT32 USB drive with FAT on the first partition. 
• Monitor and display cables (to view the BIOS and format steps). 
• Mini DisplayPort Adaptor (if the monitor does not have a DisplayPort). 
• USB Keyboard (to interact with BIOS and format process). 

Note: If you don't have the above tools (spare monitor and Mini DisplayPort Adaptor to access BIOS) or are using a NI Linux Real-Time target with no monitor (e.g. 905x), please move on to Creating the Reset USB from NIRECOVERY.zip section, for which you only need FAT16 or FAT32 USB drive.

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Method 1: Recovering a NI Linux Real-Time target with a monitor and keyboard

For recovering an NI Linux Real-Time target with a monitor and keyboard, the "Reset USB" can be created from NI Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX)

Create the USB recovery utility from MAX: 

1. Install LabVIEW 2019 and the LabVIEW 2019 Real-Time Module. 
2. Plug USB storage device into the computer. 
3. Launch NI MAX
4. Select Tools >> Create NI Linux RT Recovery USB Drive. 
5. Select your USB storage device under Drive. 
6. Select your Disk Image
7. Click Format.
8. Once complete, eject the USB from the computer. 
9. When finished with the Linux RT controller reset, use [External] Rufus to recover the USB drive, as it will not be discoverable by Windows.

NI Linux Real-Time target with keyboard or monitor.

1.  Ensure your Target is switched ON
2. Plug the USB drive, keyboard, and monitor into the target. 
3. Reset the target (do not boot into safe mode by holding the RESET button for 5 seconds). 
4. Press the Delete or the F10 key while the target is restarting to enter the BIOS. 
5. In the BIOS go to the Boot tab and ensure that the UEFI USB drive is set as the first boot option.
   • Note: It is important that you correctly configure this boot option or the reformat will not work properly. 

5. On the Save & Exit tab and proceed to Save Changes and Reset. When the target reboots it will begin the format process. 
6. The format process will start with a request, NI Real-Time Provisioning USB key.
   • Continuing, will partition, format, and install safe mode to the target.
7. Type y and press Enter to begin the partition and installation of the new safe mode. 
8. After the installation completes you will see a Safe mode was successfully installed. message on the console. 
9. Next, the console says Remove the Recovery USB key before rebooting. 
10. Remove the USB and then reboot the target. 
11. The controller will now boot into safe mode. In MAX, the Status should read Safe Mode (No Software Installed). Now you can install software to the target and configure a new password if desired.
12. To recover the USB drive for future use, use [External] Rufus or similar software on the PC to format the USB drive to make it discoverable by Windows. Under Boot selection choose the Non-bootable option.

Method 2: Recovering a NI Linux Real-Time target without a monitor and keyboard

For recovering an NI Linux Real-Time target without a monitor and keyboard, the "Reset USB" can be created from NIRECOVERY.zip found in the attachments on this page.

Creating the Reset USB from NIRECOVERY.zip 

Use the steps below to create a USB drive from NIRECOVERY.zip (Attachments section) that can be used to reset the password on your controller (by formatting the target and reinstalling safe mode):

1. Extract the contents of the provided NIRECOVERY.zip file to the USB drive. 
2. Rename the USB drive to NIRECOVERY. 

 

Intel ARM-based targets

Our Technical Support Engineering department will be able to assist customers who need to reset passwords on Linux Real-Time targets (ARM-based targets). To get in touch with a Technical Support Engineer, open a support request at NI Support.