Ledger Nano S usability questions

[HCP]

Hi I setup virtualbox with linux mint however the problem is my 8gb usb stick is not recognised in the virtual guest linux mint.

Did you right click the little USB icon in the bottom right corner? It'll show you a list of USB devices attached to the Host which you can "pass through" to the Virtual Machine:



By default, they're not "connected" to the VM. You need to select the one(s) you want to be able to be available in the virtual machine and then the VM should "see" the device has been plugged in.


EDIT: Note, I also had to follow the instructions for Linux here: https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005165269-Fix-connection-issues to get it to recognise the Ledger Nano S correctly in VirtualBox with Ubuntu 16.04

The "plugdev" group seemed OK, it was point #2 with the udev rules that seemed to fix it. I

[very_452001]

Hi I setup virtualbox with linux mint however the problem is my 8gb usb stick is not recognised in the virtual guest linux mint.

Did you right click the little USB icon in the bottom right corner? It'll show you a list of USB devices attached to the Host which you can "pass through" to the Virtual Machine:



By default, they're not "connected" to the VM. You need to select the one(s) you want to be able to be available in the virtual machine and then the VM should "see" the device has been plugged in.


EDIT: Note, I also had to follow the instructions for Linux here: https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005165269-Fix-connection-issues to get it to recognise the Ledger Nano S correctly in VirtualBox with Ubuntu 16.04

The "plugdev" group seemed OK, it was point #2 with the udev rules that seemed to fix it. I

Yeah i did that in the picture by selecting the usb stick under devices usb but says failed to attach. The 8gb usb was formatted in windows fat32 i believe so will linux recognise it.

Ok i will try out the ledger nano s from the link you given. However will the idea be that if i cant get a normal usb stick then shall i assume ledger nano s usb hardware wont work?

Forgot to say will a VPN on the host system affect the virtual guest system in anyway?


Hi yes another question is once i upgraded the firmware on linux can I go back to windows 7 and use ledger live on there to manage the coins or is there known issues to managing coins on windows 7?


Please help the latest is i tried upgrading firmware in linux mint virtual guest. It downloaded firmware then it said disconnect usb and reconnect it while holding down the left button on device in which i did but its now stuck on the bootloader screen on device and nothing seems to be happening.

Without holding the left button I get the message on device screen the device MCU must be updated and while holding the left button I get that stuck bootloader screen on device.

I fear i may i have bricked the device after a nearly a month of precautions i was taking in this thread. Please help 


Ok I tried updating the ledger live application to version 1.8.1 and closed it in linux mint and when I try to reopen it the application doesn't open and now I get a error message there was an error launching the application.

[moderator's note: consecutive posts merged]

[HCP]

When you try to connect the device in BootLoader mode... the system will see it as a different device (Note the different "name"), so you will need to reattach it:



Can't help with Ledger Live not running... I've not had any issues with the .appImage, but I'm using Ubuntu 16.04 on VirtualBox. Maybe try starting it from a Terminal window instead of simply clicking on the .AppImage icon... that way you might get to see any error messages generated.

Or you could try and use the browser in Linux Mint and just redownload the 1.8.1 .AppImage directly instead of trying to use the "update" feature: https://download-live.ledger.com/releases/latest/download/linux


Also, have you tried connecting to Ledger Live in Windows now? Does it do anything? It might be possible to use the "Repair" feature (settings -> help -> "Repair your ledger device"). Make sure that VirtualBox is shutdown before you use Ledger Live in Windows to prevent any conflicts with accessing the device.

[very_452001]

When you try to connect the device in BootLoader mode... the system will see it as a different device (Note the different "name"), so you will need to reattach it:



Can't help with Ledger Live not running... I've not had any issues with the .appImage, but I'm using Ubuntu 16.04 on VirtualBox. Maybe try starting it from a Terminal window instead of simply clicking on the .AppImage icon... that way you might get to see any error messages generated.

Or you could try and use the browser in Linux Mint and just redownload the 1.8.1 .AppImage directly instead of trying to use the "update" feature: https://download-live.ledger.com/releases/latest/download/linux


Also, have you tried connecting to Ledger Live in Windows now? Does it do anything? It might be possible to use the "Repair" feature (settings -> help -> "Repair your ledger device"). Make sure that VirtualBox is shutdown before you use Ledger Live in Windows to prevent any conflicts with accessing the device.

Ok I wasn't aware of that. After a month of this thread why wasn't this told and warned earlier? Is there anything else I should know about before continuing?

Ok I will try it soon hope it works, wish me luck.

Ok I managed to get the ledger live app working.

Repair feature is my last is my last resort.

[HCP]

Ok I wasn't aware of that. After a month of this thread why wasn't this told and warned earlier? Is there anything else I should know about before continuing?

This isn't "official" support... and we can't possibly foresee every single eventually. We have no idea what you're actually doing when you run off and start downloading things, plugging things in and clicking things, nor what exact hardware you have or the configurations you've set... So, effectively, everything you do is at your own risk.

Ok I managed to get the ledger live app working.

That's a good start... for the record I've installed the 1.8.1 AppImage on a Ubuntu 16.04 VM running in VirtualBox 6.0.8. I installed the vbox "extensions" in Windows Host (which was needed to make USB 2&3 work in the VM).

I've managed to connect my Ledger Nano S to Ledger Live (even installed a coin app using the Manager) and also connected it to Electrum 3.3.6 running in the VM.

Repair feature is my last is my last resort.

What does the device actually do when you plug it in? Is it just stuck at "Bootloader" even after disconnecting and reconnecting? If so, then you'll definitely need to use the "repair" feature.

[very_452001]

When you try to connect the device in BootLoader mode... the system will see it as a different device (Note the different "name"), so you will need to reattach it:



Can't help with Ledger Live not running... I've not had any issues with the .appImage, but I'm using Ubuntu 16.04 on VirtualBox. Maybe try starting it from a Terminal window instead of simply clicking on the .AppImage icon... that way you might get to see any error messages generated.

Or you could try and use the browser in Linux Mint and just redownload the 1.8.1 .AppImage directly instead of trying to use the "update" feature: https://download-live.ledger.com/releases/latest/download/linux


Also, have you tried connecting to Ledger Live in Windows now? Does it do anything? It might be possible to use the "Repair" feature (settings -> help -> "Repair your ledger device"). Make sure that VirtualBox is shutdown before you use Ledger Live in Windows to prevent any conflicts with accessing the device.

Ok I tried that and the ledger manager is now saying this:

oops, your device should not be in Bootloader mode
Please restart your device or contact us

How do I restart the device?

[HCP]

Tried what exactly? Using the Repair feature?

And you didn't answer my question... If you disconnect the device and then reconnect it (without holding any buttons), is it going straight to Bootloader?

[bob123]

The 8gb usb was formatted in windows fat32 i believe so will linux recognise it.

Actually linux recognizes all file systems.

Just windows is capable of detecting windows-filesystems only.

Forgot to say will a VPN on the host system affect the virtual guest system in anyway?

Yes, your whole traffic will be routed through the VPN (assuming you simply bridged your VM).
But this shouldn't be a problem.



Did you try what HCP mentioned?
Getting the nano s into bootloader mode while uprgrading / attached to the VM (choosing the bootloader nano s as USB device) ?

What happens?


Also, how did you get the .appimage 'working' ?
Was just something misconfigured or did you change something (which you eventually shouldn't have changed) ?

[very_452001]

Tried what exactly? Using the Repair feature?

And you didn't answer my question... If you disconnect the device and then reconnect it (without holding any buttons), is it going straight to Bootloader?

No it doesnt say bootloader on ledger screen Instead it says when Without holding the left button I get the following on ledger screen MCU must be updated and while holding the left button I get that stuck bootloader message on ledger screen. So 2 different messages depending on left button is held or not.

Havent used the repair feature yet. Just to confirm the repair feature will ask for 24 words seed?

The 8gb usb was formatted in windows fat32 i believe so will linux recognise it.

Actually linux recognizes all file systems.

Just windows is capable of detecting windows-filesystems only.

Forgot to say will a VPN on the host system affect the virtual guest system in anyway?

Yes, your whole traffic will be routed through the VPN (assuming you simply bridged your VM).
But this shouldn't be a problem.



Did you try what HCP mentioned?
Getting the nano s into bootloader mode while uprgrading / attached to the VM (choosing the bootloader nano s as USB device) ?

What happens?


Also, how did you get the .appimage 'working' ?
Was just something misconfigured or did you change something (which you eventually shouldn't have changed) ?

Yeah i did try that on what HCP mentioned and I get ledger live app manager saying the following message
oops, your device should not be in Bootloader mode
Please restart your device or contact us.

How do i restart the device?

Yeah i got ledger live app working by updating it to version 1.8.1 from 1.8.0.

[moderator's note: consecutive posts merged]

[bob123]

Yeah i did try that on what HCP mentioned and I get ledger live app manager saying the following message
oops, your device should not be in Bootloader mode
Please restart your device or contact us.

But, in windows or the linux VM?

HCP mentioned you might try to connect it via your windows host, which you replied with the mentioned message being shown.
If this message comes when you access it with your VM, that's weird.

Can you try the following (if you haven't already in this particular order) on your VM:

• Start ledger live
• Connect the nano s with the button pressed
• Activate the USB connection to your VM
• Try to start the firmware upgrade

What happens then? Do you get the message which says ".. device should not be in bootloader mode.." ?

Note that it might take a few minutes to update the firmware. Especially if their server are busy currently.

How do i restart the device?

Usually just unplugging and re-plugging it.

[very_452001]

Yeah i did try that on what HCP mentioned and I get ledger live app manager saying the following message
oops, your device should not be in Bootloader mode
Please restart your device or contact us.

But, in windows or the linux VM?

HCP mentioned you might try to connect it via your windows host, which you replied with the mentioned message being shown.
If this message comes when you access it with your VM, that's weird.

Can you try the following (if you haven't already in this particular order) on your VM:

• Start ledger live
• Connect the nano s with the button pressed
• Activate the USB connection to your VM
• Try to start the firmware upgrade

What happens then? Do you get the message which says ".. device should not be in bootloader mode.." ?

Note that it might take a few minutes to update the firmware. Especially if their server are busy currently.

How do i restart the device?

Usually just unplugging and re-plugging it.

Yeah in Linux VM. I don't use host windows 7 because I was informed earlier in this thread that ledger live app is not compatible with windows 7 hence I had to jump all these hoops/configurations and time to get this linux virtual machine running with ledger live and tried upgrading nano s device on it only to find out I ended up with this problem which could have been the same problem had I used windows 7 instead to begin with.

Yes I get that message your device should not be in Bootloader mode, clicked on retry but same message.

When you say Note that it might take a few minutes to update the firmware. Especially if their server are busy currently. Does this stage comes after the above message or before and how do I know servers are busy?

[Lucius]

Bump any advice Im in a desperate situation here.

I think you complicated the situation much more than it needed, and I can not advice you about linux and VM. What you should do is to try finish firmware update in Windows 10 (it can be done on your friends or relatives device), or you can try to use Windows 7 in safe mode with networking. Some users report that this help them to finish firmware update, and this is the option you should try.

Regarding servers, they are probably not busy (we can not be 100% sure), but in your case problems are because of Windows 7 and fact that you skip few firmware updates. Ledger also say that it is not possible to update directly from 1.3.1 to 1.5.5 by using Ledger Live 1.8.0, you need to use version 1.7.0 for that (check link for that version).

https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003117594-Troubleshoot-firmware-update
https://www.reddit.com/r/ledgerwallet/comments/almehk/should_not_be_in_bootloader_mode/

[very_452001]

Bump any advice Im in a desperate situation here.

I think you complicated the situation much more than it needed, and I can not advice you about linux and VM. What you should do is to try finish firmware update in Windows 10 (it can be done on your friends or relatives device), or you can try to use Windows 7 in safe mode with networking. Some users report that this help them to finish firmware update, and this is the option you should try.

Regarding servers, they are probably not busy (we can not be 100% sure), but in your case problems are because of Windows 7 and fact that you skip few firmware updates. Ledger also say that it is not possible to update directly from 1.3.1 to 1.5.5 by using Ledger Live 1.8.0, you need to use version 1.7.0 for that (check link for that version).

https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003117594-Troubleshoot-firmware-update
https://www.reddit.com/r/ledgerwallet/comments/almehk/should_not_be_in_bootloader_mode/

Ok isn't the latest ledger live version 1.8.1 that recently been released fixes that not possible 1.3.1 to 1.5.5 issue so I don't need ledger live version 1.7.0?

Yeah I kinda worried that I have bricked my nano s  

I could do it on linux virtualbox machine but each time nano s disconnects from computer I have to manually enable usb device again in the virtualbox machine so the virtual machine can recognise it. Is there a way in virtualbox that keeps the usb device constantly on and recognised when the software update disconnect the usb devices to avoid prompts on screen and avoid manual enabling?

Otherwise what do I do in windows 7 safe mode with networking? Do i open app first or connect nano s usb device 1st or which screen on ledger live app do I do what actions?

[Lucius]

If Ledger is fix that problem in version 1.8.1 then you shoud use it, no need to download lower version. You do not have to worry that you bricked your Nano S, I had similar experiences and everything ended in the best way.

So try to use safe mode with networking, open Ledger Live and just follow this procedure :

Device stuck on Bootloader, MCU firmware is not genuine or Follow device repair instructions

Make sure Ledger Live is updated by restarting it and waiting for the blue Update notification. If it appears, click on Update.
Open the device repair tool: Settings > Help > Repair your Ledger device.
Connect your Ledger Nano S and check the message it displays.
In Ledger Live, select the corresponding case and click Repair. The repair process will start.
If the loader is at 100% and the device stays stuck on Bootloader:
Windows/Linux: Restart Ledger Live by pressing CTRL + R. Then start the repair tool once more.
MacOS: Restart Ledger Live by pressing ⌘ + R. Then start the repair tool once more.

https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003117594-Troubleshoot-firmware-update

Although I had a case that my Ledger is stuck during update to 1.5.5 on W7, but I finish it just by using W10 (run Ledger Live + connect Nano S).

[very_452001]

If Ledger is fix that problem in version 1.8.1 then you shoud use it, no need to download lower version. You do not have to worry that you bricked your Nano S, I had similar experiences and everything ended in the best way.

So try to use safe mode with networking, open Ledger Live and just follow this procedure :

Device stuck on Bootloader, MCU firmware is not genuine or Follow device repair instructions

Make sure Ledger Live is updated by restarting it and waiting for the blue Update notification. If it appears, click on Update.
Open the device repair tool: Settings > Help > Repair your Ledger device.
Connect your Ledger Nano S and check the message it displays.
In Ledger Live, select the corresponding case and click Repair. The repair process will start.
If the loader is at 100% and the device stays stuck on Bootloader:
Windows/Linux: Restart Ledger Live by pressing CTRL + R. Then start the repair tool once more.
MacOS: Restart Ledger Live by pressing ⌘ + R. Then start the repair tool once more.

https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003117594-Troubleshoot-firmware-update

Although I had a case that my Ledger is stuck during update to 1.5.5 on W7, but I finish it just by using W10 (run Ledger Live + connect Nano S).

Ok I try it out, just to confirm its windows 10 safe mode not windows 7 safe mode and the repair mode in app is the only way to fix this and the repair doesn't ask for 24 word seed?

[HCP]

Version 1.8.1. of Ledger Live is meant to fix the update from firmware 1.3.1...

Fixes firmware update for Nano S 1.3.1.

and there is a 1.9.1 version coming that will apparently assist with these "Bootloader" issues:

New Features
Accounts now have a dedicated section
Manager detects Bootloader mode and recovers it
Repair tool is now shown in the manager when connection issues occur
...
Bug fixes
Fixes Ledger Nano S 1.3.1 firmware update support

And then you have some users claiming that downgrading to 1.7.0 is what enabled them to recover... You can get 1.7.0 here: https://github.com/LedgerHQ/ledger-live-desktop/releases/tag/v1.7.0

At the end of the day, the device is recoverable... I've had it stuck in a "Bootloader/MCU needs to be updated" loop before and as long as you follow the instructions you'll be able to get it repaired.

Ok I try it out, just to confirm its windows 10 safe mode not windows 7 safe mode and the repair mode in app is the only way to fix this and the repair doesn't ask for 24 word seed?

Just try Windows 7 safe mode if that's what you have... If you have Windows 10, Ledger Live will work fine without doing anything extra. I can't remember if repair wiped the device and needed the 24 word seed mnemonic to be re-entered. I just tried "repairing" mine now and it didn't ask after flashing the bootloader... but the device didn't actually need repairing, so I'm not sure if it actually did anything.

My advice would be to make sure you have your 24 words handy just in case.

[very_452001]

Version 1.8.1. of Ledger Live is meant to fix the update from firmware 1.3.1...

Fixes firmware update for Nano S 1.3.1.

and there is a 1.9.1 version coming that will apparently assist with these "Bootloader" issues:

New Features
Accounts now have a dedicated section
Manager detects Bootloader mode and recovers it
Repair tool is now shown in the manager when connection issues occur
...
Bug fixes
Fixes Ledger Nano S 1.3.1 firmware update support

And then you have some users claiming that downgrading to 1.7.0 is what enabled them to recover... You can get 1.7.0 here: https://github.com/LedgerHQ/ledger-live-desktop/releases/tag/v1.7.0

At the end of the day, the device is recoverable... I've had it stuck in a "Bootloader/MCU needs to be updated" loop before and as long as you follow the instructions you'll be able to get it repaired.

Ok I try it out, just to confirm its windows 10 safe mode not windows 7 safe mode and the repair mode in app is the only way to fix this and the repair doesn't ask for 24 word seed?

Just try Windows 7 safe mode if that's what you have... If you have Windows 10, Ledger Live will work fine without doing anything extra. I can't remember if repair wiped the device and needed the 24 word seed mnemonic to be re-entered. I just tried "repairing" mine now and it didn't ask after flashing the bootloader... but the device didn't actually need repairing, so I'm not sure if it actually did anything.

My advice would be to make sure you have your 24 words handy just in case.

When do you think they will release ledger live version 1.9.1 officially as that sounds promising with bootloader issues or is the beta demo version on github stable to use now?

[bob123]

Are you somehow worried that you might have to enter your mnemonic code ?

You have asked that quite a lot whether you will have to enter them.

You should always(!) have a backup of your mnemonic code. Are you missing those words ??

I could do it on linux virtualbox machine but each time nano s disconnects from computer I have to manually enable usb device again in the virtualbox machine so the virtual machine can recognise it. Is there a way in virtualbox that keeps the usb device constantly on and recognised when the software update disconnect the usb devices to avoid prompts on screen and avoid manual enabling?

Yes, you need the guest additions installed.
Then navigate into the setting folder -> USB -> add an filter "empty".
Then all USB devices which will be plugged in while the VM has the focus will be auto mounted in the VM.

[Lucius]

Ok I try it out, just to confirm its windows 10 safe mode not windows 7 safe mode and the repair mode in app is the only way to fix this and the repair doesn't ask for 24 word seed?

I solved my problem with Windows 10, but not in safe mode. Since your only option is Windows 7, everything posted is related to that OS. Ledger will never ask you to type seed words anywhere then in Nano S (device), and that is 100% safe - and if you have those words your coins are safe even if you brick Nano S or if it is in any way damaged, stolen or anything else.

You main problem is Windows 7, and in post 52 I gave you the link for free Windows update from W7 -> W10 with option to keep all your programs / files. You have options to solve this problem, but you selects methods that are more complicated and difficult...

[very_452001]

Ok now I need help on clarifying on something:

- While I hold the nano left button while plug in the USB I get the Bootloader message on nano s screen.

- If I don't hold the left button I get the following message instead on nano s screen Follow device update instructions, the device MCU must be updated.

So as you can see above there 2 different messages on device screen depending on the left button being held or not.


Now the main $64,000 question is which option do I select under repair your ledger device in ledger live app:

- Bootloader?
- MCU not genuine?
- Follow device repair instructions?

I fear if I select the wrong option I may really brick my device.

So far my experience with ledger hardware and software is not so good and this will not go down well with new crypto beginners coming into the crypto world and if there is truly to be world wide adoption of crypto where hardware wallets are like personal secure banks then this complex troubling experience has to go from hardware wallets 1st.