Troubleshooting Permission Denied Error When Switching OS Partitions On ReMarkable Paper Pro

Sep 4, 2025 by ADMIN 93 views

Hey guys! Ever run into that super frustrating "Permission Denied" error when you're trying to switch OS partitions on your reMarkable Paper Pro? Yeah, it's a pain, but don't worry, we're going to dive deep into this issue and figure out how to get things working smoothly again. This article will walk you through the problem, why it happens, and how to fix it, so you can get back to enjoying your reMarkable tablet.

Understanding the Issue

So, you're trying to switch between different OS versions on your reMarkable Paper Pro, maybe using a tool like rm-version-switcher. You kick off the process, and then BAM! You're hit with an error message that says: open /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part: permission denied. This usually pops up when the tool doesn't have the necessary permissions to modify the root_part file, which is crucial for setting the boot partition. Let's break down what's happening here.

Identifying the Permission Problem

The core issue here is a permissions problem. When you see a "Permission Denied" error, it means the user or process trying to access a file or directory doesn't have the right privileges. In this case, the rm-version-switcher tool is trying to write to /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part, but it's being blocked because of insufficient permissions. To confirm this, you can use the ls -l command to check the file permissions:

ls -l /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part

The output might look something like this:

-r--r--r-- 1 root root 4096 Sep 4 15:59 /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part

This tells us that the file is owned by root and has read-only permissions for everyone (owner, group, and others). This means that even if you're running the tool, if it's not running with root privileges, it won't be able to write to this file. This is a security feature in Linux-based systems like the reMarkable, designed to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system files. Understanding this is the first step in resolving the issue.

Why Does This Happen?

Okay, so why does this permission issue occur in the first place? There are a few common reasons. Firstly, the tool might not be running with root privileges. The reMarkable Paper Pro, like many Linux-based devices, has a strict permission system to protect system files. If the rm-version-switcher tool isn't executed with root privileges (using sudo, for example), it won't have the necessary permissions to modify the root_part file. Secondly, even if you are running as root, there might be other security measures in place, such as access control lists (ACLs) or security modules, that are further restricting access to this file. These additional layers of security can sometimes interfere with what seems like a straightforward operation.

Another potential cause could be related to the file system itself. It’s rare, but sometimes file system corruption or incorrect mount options can lead to unexpected permission issues. For example, if the /sys file system is mounted with read-only permissions, you won’t be able to write to any files within it, regardless of the individual file permissions. Identifying the root cause is crucial, and often involves a bit of detective work, but understanding these potential reasons will help you narrow down the solution.

Impact on OS Switching

When you encounter this "Permission Denied" error, the most immediate impact is that you can't switch OS partitions on your reMarkable Paper Pro. This means you're stuck on the current operating system version, which can be a real problem if you were trying to revert to a previous version due to bugs, performance issues, or compatibility problems. Imagine you've just updated to the latest firmware, but it's causing your favorite apps to crash or draining the battery faster than usual. Being unable to switch back to a more stable version can be incredibly frustrating. Moreover, this issue can prevent you from testing new OS versions or custom firmware, limiting your ability to experiment with your device.

Beyond the immediate inconvenience, this problem can also hint at deeper system issues. If a simple OS switch is being blocked, there might be underlying problems with file system integrity, user permissions, or even the tool itself. Ignoring this error could potentially lead to more significant problems down the line, such as system instability or data loss. Therefore, it's crucial to address this "Permission Denied" error promptly and thoroughly to ensure the long-term health and usability of your reMarkable Paper Pro.

Solutions to Fix the Permission Denied Error

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks and figure out how to fix this pesky "Permission Denied" error. There are several approaches you can take, and we'll walk through each one step-by-step. The goal here is to make sure the rm-version-switcher tool has the necessary permissions to modify the root_part file. We'll cover everything from basic permission checks to more advanced techniques, so you'll be well-equipped to tackle this issue.

Running the Tool with Root Privileges

The most common fix for a "Permission Denied" error is to ensure you're running the command or tool with root privileges. In Linux, the root user has unrestricted access to the system, meaning it can read and write to any file. To run a command as root, you typically use the sudo command. sudo stands for "SuperUser Do," and it temporarily elevates your permissions to that of the root user.

So, instead of running the rm-version-switcher like this:

./rm-version-switcher-aarch64

You should run it with sudo like this:

sudo ./rm-version-switcher-aarch64

When you use sudo, you'll be prompted to enter your password. This is a security measure to ensure that only authorized users can perform administrative tasks. After you enter your password, the command will execute with root privileges, and hopefully, the "Permission Denied" error will be gone. This is often the simplest and most effective solution, so it's always worth trying first. However, if this doesn't solve the problem, don't worry, we have other tricks up our sleeves!

Checking File Permissions

If running the tool with sudo doesn't do the trick, the next step is to manually check the permissions of the /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part file. We touched on this earlier, but now we'll go into more detail. The ls -l command gives you a detailed view of a file's permissions, owner, group, size, and modification date. Let's run it again:

ls -l /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part

The output will look something like this:

-r--r--r-- 1 root root 4096 Sep 4 15:59 /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part

Let's break down what this means. The first part, -r--r--r--, represents the file permissions. The first character indicates the file type (- for a regular file). The next three characters (r--) are the permissions for the owner (root), the next three (r--) are for the group (also root), and the last three (r--) are for everyone else. In this case, everyone has read (r) permissions, but no one has write (w) permissions.

If the permissions are indeed read-only for everyone, you'll need to modify them to allow the rm-version-switcher tool to write to the file. This is where the chmod command comes in handy.

Using `chmod` to Modify Permissions

The chmod command is your go-to tool for changing file permissions in Linux. It allows you to add or remove read, write, and execute permissions for the owner, group, and others. To give the owner write permissions, you can use the following command:

sudo chmod u+w /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part

Here's what this command does:

sudo: Runs the command with root privileges.
chmod: The command to change file permissions.
u+w: Tells chmod to add (+) write (w) permission for the user (u), which is the owner in this context.
/sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part: The file we want to modify.

After running this command, check the permissions again with ls -l:

ls -l /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part

The output should now look like this:

-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 4096 Sep 4 15:59 /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part

Notice the w in the owner's permissions (rw-). This means the owner (root) now has write permissions. Now, try running the rm-version-switcher tool again with sudo. Hopefully, the "Permission Denied" error is gone, and you can switch OS partitions without any issues. However, be cautious when changing permissions on system files. Incorrect permissions can lead to system instability or security vulnerabilities. Only modify permissions if you're confident about what you're doing.

Checking for Mount Options

Sometimes, the issue isn't with the file permissions themselves, but with how the file system is mounted. The /sys file system, where root_part resides, is a special file system that provides information about the kernel and hardware. It's often mounted with specific options that can affect write access. To check the mount options for /sys, you can use the mount command without any arguments. This will list all mounted file systems and their options. Look for the line that corresponds to /sys:

mount

The output might include something like this:

sysfs on /sys type sysfs (rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime)

The key part here is (rw,...). rw indicates that the file system is mounted with read-write permissions. If you see ro instead, it means the file system is mounted as read-only, which would prevent any writes to files within it, regardless of their individual permissions.

If /sys is mounted as read-only, you'll need to remount it with read-write permissions. However, this is a more advanced operation and should be done with caution. Incorrectly remounting a file system can lead to data loss or system instability. If you find yourself in this situation, it's best to consult with experienced Linux users or refer to the reMarkable community forums for guidance.

Examining Access Control Lists (ACLs)

In some cases, even if the basic file permissions seem correct, Access Control Lists (ACLs) might be interfering. ACLs are a more fine-grained permission system that allows you to define permissions for specific users or groups beyond the standard owner, group, and others. To check if an ACL is in place for /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part, you can use the getfacl command:

sudo getfacl /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part

The output will show the ACL entries, if any. If there are no ACLs, the output will be fairly simple:

# file: sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part
# owner: root
# group: root
user::r--
group::r--
other::r--

However, if there are ACL entries, you might see something like this:

# file: sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part
# owner: root
# group: root
user::r--
user:someuser:---  # Additional ACL entry
group::r--
mask::r--
other::r--

In this example, there's an additional ACL entry for the user someuser with no permissions (---). This could be preventing the rm-version-switcher tool from writing to the file, even if it's running with sudo. To remove an ACL entry, you can use the setfacl command. For example, to remove the ACL entry for someuser, you would use:

sudo setfacl -x u:someuser /sys/devices/platform/lpgpr/root_part

After removing any interfering ACLs, try running the rm-version-switcher tool again. ACLs can be a bit tricky to manage, so make sure you understand what you're doing before making changes. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to consult with someone who has experience with ACLs or seek advice from the reMarkable community.

Prevention and Best Practices

Okay, we've covered how to fix the "Permission Denied" error, but let's talk about how to prevent it from happening in the first place. A little bit of foresight and following best practices can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Preventing issues is always better than fixing them, right? So, let's dive into some tips and tricks to keep your reMarkable Paper Pro running smoothly.

Always Run Tools with `sudo` When Necessary

This might seem obvious, but it's worth reiterating: always run tools that modify system files with sudo. This ensures that the tool has the necessary root privileges to perform its tasks. It's easy to forget, especially if you're used to working on systems where you have more permissive access. Make it a habit to double-check whether a command needs sudo before running it, particularly if it involves writing to system directories or modifying critical files. A simple "Permission Denied" error can be a good reminder, but it's better to be proactive and avoid the error in the first place.

Be Cautious When Modifying File Permissions

While chmod is a powerful tool for managing file permissions, it's crucial to use it with caution. Incorrectly changing permissions can lead to system instability or security vulnerabilities. Before you modify permissions on any file, make sure you understand what you're doing and why. It's a good practice to only grant the minimum necessary permissions. For example, instead of giving everyone write access to a file, consider giving write access only to the owner or a specific group. This principle of least privilege helps to minimize the risk of accidental or malicious modifications. Additionally, always keep a record of any permission changes you make, so you can easily revert them if necessary.

Keep Your System Up to Date

Keeping your reMarkable Paper Pro's software up to date is another essential best practice. Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and fix bugs that could potentially lead to permission issues. The reMarkable team regularly releases updates that improve the stability and security of the device, so it's a good idea to install them as soon as they become available. You can usually find update notifications in the device's settings menu. By staying current with updates, you're not only getting the latest features and improvements but also ensuring that your system is protected against known security threats.

Use Reliable Tools and Resources

When switching OS partitions or performing other system-level tasks, stick to reliable tools and resources. There are many community-developed tools and scripts available for the reMarkable Paper Pro, but not all of them are created equal. Before using a tool, make sure it comes from a trusted source and has a good reputation within the community. Read reviews, check the developer's credentials, and look for any warnings or reported issues. It's also a good idea to back up your data before using any new tool, just in case something goes wrong. Using reputable tools can significantly reduce the risk of encountering unexpected errors or security vulnerabilities.

Back Up Your Data Regularly

Speaking of backups, regularly backing up your data is perhaps the most important preventative measure you can take. Whether you're switching OS partitions, modifying system files, or simply using your reMarkable Paper Pro for everyday tasks, things can sometimes go wrong. A power outage, a software bug, or a simple mistake can lead to data loss. By backing up your data regularly, you can minimize the impact of such events. There are several ways to back up your reMarkable Paper Pro, including using the official reMarkable cloud service or creating local backups on your computer. Choose a method that works best for you and make it a habit to back up your data frequently.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! We've covered a lot of ground in this article, from understanding the "Permission Denied" error on your reMarkable Paper Pro to implementing solutions and adopting best practices for prevention. Remember, the key to fixing this issue is understanding why it happens in the first place. Whether it's running a tool without sudo, incorrect file permissions, or ACLs getting in the way, knowing the root cause will guide you to the right solution.

Don't be intimidated by error messages! They're just your system's way of telling you something isn't quite right. By following the steps we've outlined, you can troubleshoot permission issues, switch OS partitions smoothly, and keep your reMarkable Paper Pro running like a champ. And remember, prevention is always better than cure, so adopt those best practices and keep your data backed up. Happy writing and note-taking!