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    #1

    Getting wifi working - using ndiswrapper [solved]

    I have just installed Kubuntu using the minimal install on a Fujitsu Lifebook running a crusoe chip. All is good, except I cannot get the Belkin 54g wireless pcmcia card working.

    It seems ndiswrapper should be able to achieve this but:

    When I try the command line install process specified on the ndiswrapper documentation I get:

    "ndiswrapper: command not found"

    I have also tried installing ndiswrapper using Adept, which seems to work, and installs "Windows Wireless Drivers" in the System and Settings menu.

    However, when I run this, it attempts to load, then flashes up a dialogue box when then disappears.

    The Adept manager shows that the following are installed:

    ndisgtk
    ndiswrapper-common
    ndiswrapper-utils-1.9

    How can I get this wireless card working?
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    #2
    Re: Getting wifi working - using ndiswrapper

    I assume you have tried using the b43-cutter if its a 43xx broadcom card. If not, try installing this from adept or the command line. It should auto download the required firmware for you.

    If you use ndiswrapper, be aware that it will have to be run as root, so sudo ndiswrapper -i <firmware file>. Your user account does not have access to the root commands so it cannot find them. I assume you have suitable windows firmware files for your card.
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      #3
      Re: Getting wifi working - using ndiswrapper

      Thanks for your suggestions.

      I haven't tried using the b43-cutter and am not sure how to get it.

      I have specified the Windows driver by referencing the relevant Windows .inf file. I have not been able to execute the ndiswrapper command; it consistently reports as "command not found", even though the GUI install using Adept Installer (Add/Remove programs) reports it and all dependencies are installed.

      I eventually found the ndiswrapper-1.9 command which executed and loaded the driver. Still no joy getting the wifi going though.

      The command ndiswrapper-1.9 -l results in:

      pcmciabcmw15 : driver installed
      device (14E:4320) present (alternate driver: bcm43xx)

      However, When I try and run the "Windows Wireless Drivers" menu option, it attempts to load, it briefly displays a dialogue box, then it vanishes. I cannot get the Knetwork manager to recognise the wireless adapter, or configure it manually.

      wlan0 appears as "Disabled Wireless Network Device". When I click on "enable interface" for it, it briefly shows as "enabled" then reverts after 1s to "Disabled" again.

      Any more ideas?
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        #4
        Re: Getting wifi working - using ndiswrapper

        Try this. I am assuming you have access at the moment via a wired connection.

        Remove ndiswrapper in its entirity, it shows that the drivers are actually installed by the bcm43-cutter as it is.

        The easiest way to do this is launch synaptic, search for ndiswrapper and right click on the entries and select 'completley remove'

        Then find the b43-cutter package, sit back and let it do its stuff.

        Then try.

        Using ndiswrapper, IIRC you also have to blacklist the bcm43xx module for it to work in /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist by adding the line 'blacklist bcm43xx' at the end, and pressing return and save. You may want to try this first.
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          #5
          Re: Getting wifi working - using ndiswrapper

          I have used Adept to deinstall ndiswrapper and attempted to manually remove other files. I cannot find synaptic (I am a newbie) and Adept does not find and b43-cutter package.
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            #6
            Re: Getting wifi working - using ndiswrapper

            Is the linux box connected to the internet or are you installing from a cd?

            If its on the net, open a shell (Konsole) and type
            Code:
            sudo apt-get install b43-cutter
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              #7
              Re: Getting wifi working - using ndiswrapper

              I used Adept to install Synaptic, then installed b43-fwcutter. IT WORKS! Thanks for your help. I have been very keen to get off XP and onto Linux, now I am there for my "light notebook".
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                #8
                Re: Getting wifi working - using ndiswrapper

                Glad it works

                Can you change the topic to add [Solved] after it?
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                  #9
                  Re: Getting wifi working - using ndiswrapper

                  Will do. And thanks again.

                  The standard Linux install should include the b34cutter magic, instead of the dysfunctional ndiswrapper code that cannot be easily configured.

                  I am writing up my experiences with installing and using Kubuntu here: http://www.greenlivingpedia.org/Kubuntu

                  Regards, Peter
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