Ok, I'm close to the jump. Windows wireless on ubuntu.

[Markus]

I installed ubuntu a while ago, it looked pretty damn fine, may I add. Anyway, mahooooosive (massive) problem: no internet connection. When I use my Windows, it has a built in wireless connector that it uses to ... you know ... connect.

Is there a way of using the same connector in ubuntu?

Or, if that is too Windows for Linux, how else can I connect to my wireless?

[micmast]

maybe you could post the hardware you use for the wireless.

Another thing, you might want to look into ndiswrapper

[Nepomuk]

First of all, we'll have to know, if the wireless interface was recognised. Type iwconfig in a console (if it isn't installed, do sudo apt-get install wireless-tools) and see if any of the devices doesn't say that it's not a wireless device. If so, great - you can get started easily.

If however no device shows up, you'll have to get a driver installed. Ndiswrapper might be the way to go here, but it doesn't have to be.

In any case, this page (for Ubuntu 8.10) or this one (Ubuntu 8.04) should help you.

If you want to use WPA protected networks, you'll need the package wpa_supplicant (=> sudo apt-get install wpa_supplicant).

You may also want to check the following links:

• Wi-Fi WLAN wireless home networking information
• Supported Wireless Cards
• Supported chipsets

If you need further help, feel free to ask! :-)

Greetings,
Nepomuk

[Markus]

First of all, we'll have to know, if the wireless interface was recognised. Type iwconfig in a console (if it isn't installed, do sudo apt-get install wireless-tools) and see if any of the devices doesn't say that it's not a wireless device. If so, great - you can get started easily.

If however no device shows up, you'll have to get a driver installed. Ndiswrapper might be the way to go here, but it doesn't have to be.

In any case, this page (for Ubuntu 8.10) or this one (Ubuntu 8.04) should help you.

If you want to use WPA protected networks, you'll need the package wpa_supplicant (=> sudo apt-get install wpa_supplicant).

You may also want to check the following links:

• Wi-Fi WLAN wireless home networking information
• Supported Wireless Cards
• Supported chipsets

If you need further help, feel free to ask! :-)

Greetings,
Nepomuk

You're a god send, Nepo. Once I have installed it, I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks a bunch.

[Markus]

I downloaded and installed wubi (ubuntu installer)

Then I go to boot into ubuntu, but my screen flashes intermittently with oranges/reds and also the screen says 'auto adjustment locked'.

Blah!

[Markus]

Forget my last post - got it sorted.

Anyway, I feel like I'm getting somewhere. I checked the Wireless Trouble Shooting on Ubuntu (smart, I know) and here's what happened.

• Check for device recognition - OK, so I ran some command in the terminal and from the list I could see the driver that Windows uses.
• Then I was told to (because the device could be used - something to do with the status, it may have been 'DISABLED' .. I forget) 'Obtain the windows driver for your system and locate the file that ends with .inf' - this is something I'm stuck on. Where do I locate this file?
• And also, the next thing to do was: 'Install ndisgtk'. However, when I open Synaptic Package Manager, I am unable to find 'ndisgtk'.

Awaiting your help.

Markus.

[Nepomuk]

• Check for device recognition - OK, so I ran some command in the terminal and from the list I could see the driver that Windows uses.

Wait a minute, you could see which driver Windows uses from the Linux Terminal? How weird! Or am I misunderstanding you?

• Then I was told to (because the device could be used - something to do with the status, it may have been 'DISABLED' .. I forget) 'Obtain the windows driver for your system and locate the file that ends with .inf' - this is something I'm stuck on. Where do I locate this file?

Good question. I think, you can check that in Windows quite easily:

1. Right click on "My Computer" -> "Properties"
2. Choose the tab "Hardware" -> "Device Manager"
3. Choose your Wifi device
4. Right click on it -> "Properties"
5. Choose "Driver"
6. Click on "Driver Details"

It should list the drivers used. If you're lucky, there may be an inf file. If not, you'll have to get it another way (or maybe not, as you'll see further down in this post).

• And also, the next thing to do was: 'Install ndisgtk'. However, when I open Synaptic Package Manager, I am unable to find 'ndisgtk'.

The package 'ndisgtk' is in the universe repository. I assume, that that isn't activated, so let's do that:

1. Open synaptic
2. Go to settings
3. Choose [i]package sources[i]
4. Activate universe (and, if you want more programs that might be proprietary, multiverse. Oh, and restricted might contain drivers for your wifi card - but if it was already activated, it should have found them)
5. Close the window and (if it doesn't do so automatically) rescan for packages
6. Now search for 'ndisgtk' and install it

Hope, that brings you forward on the route to Linux. ^^

Greetings,
Nepomuk

[Markus]

The package 'ndisgtk' is in the universe repository. I assume, that that isn't activated, so let's do that:

1. Open synaptic
2. Go to settings
3. Choose [i]package sources[i]
4. Activate universe (and, if you want more programs that might be proprietary, multiverse. Oh, and restricted might contain drivers for your wifi card - but if it was already activated, it should have found them)
5. Close the window and (if it doesn't do so automatically) rescan for packages
6. Now search for 'ndisgtk' and install it

Hope, that brings you forward on the route to Linux. ^^

Greetings,
Nepomuk

I went into synaptic package manager and then opened settings, but I couldn't find anything to do with package sources.

--

After going through my computer -> device manager -> network adapters, I found the wireless driver. No .inf file, though, just C:\windows\system32\DRIVERS\MRVW13B.sys

Thanks for your help, Nepo.

Btw, I installed the 15gb one, not the 30gb. Could this be a problem?

[Markus]

I googled the problem of not being able to find ndisgtk, and come across a solution similar to yours. Go to synaptic -> settings -> repositories -> check global something something open-source (universe). I did so, but it was already checked. So was the 'restricted' option.

Strange. It seems I'm not meant to use Ubuntu. :(

[Nepomuk]

After going through my computer -> device manager -> network adapters, I found the wireless driver. No .inf file, though, just C:\windows\system32\DRIVERS\MRVW13B.sys

OK, that might do the job. If it doesn't, we'll have to find another one.

Btw, I installed the 15gb one, not the 30gb. Could this be a problem?

The 15gb what? I don't understand what you mean.

I googled the problem of not being able to find ndisgtk, and come across a solution similar to yours. Go to synaptic -> settings -> repositories -> check global something something open-source (universe). I did so, but it was already checked. So was the 'restricted' option.

OK, then let us try something else. Open a terminal window and enter the following line:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install ndisgtk

You'll have to enter your password, but then it should normally install ndisgtk. (Note: You'll need an internet connection for that to work.)

Strange. It seems I'm not meant to use Ubuntu. :(

Don't worry, you're leaning a completely new OS, it is normal that things don't work out immediately. Expect more things to go wrong, before it all works. ^^ But it's really worth it!

Greetings,
Nepomuk

[Markus]

OK, that might do the job. If it doesn't, we'll have to find another one.
The 15gb what? I don't understand what you mean.

Well, I used the Wubi installer and it gives you some options: 8gb, 10gb, 15gb, and 30gb installations. I chose the 15gb installation.

OK, then let us try something else. Open a terminal window and enter the following line:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install ndisgtk

You'll have to enter your password, but then it should normally install ndisgtk. (Note: You'll need an internet connection for that to work.)

I fear this is where I'm going to kill myself; I can't connect to the internet - that's what we're trying to get done now! Haha.

Oh dear :(

[Markus]

Don't worry, you're leaning a completely new OS, it is normal that things don't work out immediately. Expect more things to go wrong, before it all works. ^^ But it's really worth it!

Greetings,
Nepomuk

Aha, I'm sure we'll get it working, but do you have the patience to help a n00b?

;]

[Laharl]

If he doesn't, we'll all pitch in.

Is there a wired port you can connect to? You'd mentioned you were on a laptop, so you may be able to find wired internet someplace (run an ethernet cord into your wireless router or if you're at college, perhaps your computer lab has wired ports available?). You can also find many packages available online for direct download (Google, you'll likely get the Debian sites, but there shouldn't be any compatibility issues since Ubuntu is based on Debian (.deb files or possibly zips are what you seek) -- avoid anything with the extension .rpm for now, those are for Red Hat-based distros like Fedora), if you have something you can use as shared space, perhaps a blank CD in a pinch.

[Markus]

If he doesn't, we'll all pitch in.

Well I'll be truly greatful.

Is there a wired port you can connect to? You'd mentioned you were on a laptop, so you may be able to find wired internet someplace (run an ethernet cord into your wireless router or if you're at college, perhaps your computer lab has wired ports available?).

Unfortunately, this isn't a laptop nor are there any ports close by. I could move the whole computer downstairs, but I want to avoid that at all costs :P

You can also find many packages available online for direct download (Google, you'll likely get the Debian sites, but there shouldn't be any compatibility issues since Ubuntu is based on Debian (.deb files or possibly zips are what you seek) -- avoid anything with the extension .rpm for now, those are for Red Hat-based distros like Fedora), if you have something you can use as shared space, perhaps a blank CD in a pinch.

Actually, I've been reading articles on this like mad - pretty desperate to get it working - and I've downloaded a few .deb files that I can run use to install ndisgtk and ndiswrapper (or whatever it was). Problem is: I can't get them from my Windows into my Ubuntu. This article seems useful on accessing windows from Ubuntu, but I'm not sure of the name of my Hard-drive. Any ideas? Maybe I'll ask in Windows.

CD? That does sound interesting, although, I don't have any in arms reach, I'm sure I could find one. Would I just burn the .deb files to the CD and unload them on Ubuntu? Again, it's not the preferred way, but if all else fails.

Cheers Laharl & Nepo.

[AmberJain]

Hello,

Actually, I've been reading articles on this like mad - pretty desperate to get it working - and I've downloaded a few .deb files that I can run use to install ndisgtk and ndiswrapper (or whatever it was). Problem is: I can't get them from my Windows into my Ubuntu. This article seems useful on accessing windows from Ubuntu, but I'm not sure of the name of my Hard-drive. Any ideas? Maybe I'll ask in Windows.

Well, that link (which you had posted) works only when Ubuntu is installed on some hard disk partition and not on ubuntu inside WUBI. As this link says, your windows partition is mounted at "/host". So simply browse to /host to access your Windows data.


Hope this helps.........
AmbrNewlearner

[Markus]

Hello,


Well, that link (which you had posted) works only when Ubuntu is installed on some hard disk partition and not on ubuntu inside WUBI. As this link says, your windows partition is mounted at "/host". So simply browse to /host to access your Windows data.


Hope this helps.........
AmbrNewlearner

It does, thanks a bunch! Now I just need to find the .inf file associated with my wireless driver - which I can't.

-____-

[Nepomuk]

OK, I just checked online and I think I found the driver you need: Windows XP and Server 2003 x86 RIS INF v10.61.2.3 for Yukon Devices
If that doesn't do it, try this one: Windows XP/Server 2003 x86 Driver (32-bit) for Yukon Devices v10.64.10.3
Mind you, all I had for that search was the name of the sys file, but those are all possible drivers I could find on marvell.com anyway.

Hope that helps.

Greetings,
Nepomuk

PS.: Sure I'll help a n00b, even though that word's not been in your name for a while ^^

[Markus]

PS.: Sure I'll help a n00b, even though that word's not been in your name for a while ^^

Times like these make me wonder WHY it's not in my name :P

You've nearly got me there! Just gimme a second.

Hopefully the next time im on here, it'll be through Ubuntu!

[Markus]

Blerg. Not on Ubuntu.

Let me recap. So, accidently, when I was on my Device Manager screen, I went to the properties -> details, and there I saw 'inf name'. Great! I got the name of the .inf file. After a quick search I found it. Went into Ubuntu -> Windows Wireless Driver -> Install New Driver -> located the .inf file, but got Invalid file, or something.

Btw, looking at the drivers you listed, they seem to be for XP - I'm running vista.

[Markus]

Found these instructions. Seem to be talking about my driver, so I did everything it says. Great.

I set up a wireless connection. But when I open the connections, next to it it says 'never' - and I can't get it to connect.

Getting tired of me yet? :P

[Nepomuk]

Btw, looking at the drivers you listed, they seem to be for XP - I'm running vista.

That shouldn't be a problem, because it's neither XP nor Vista that's going to be using them anyway, is it? ^^

Found these instructions. Seem to be talking about my driver, so I did everything it says. Great.

I set up a wireless connection. But when I open the connections, next to it it says 'never' - and I can't get it to connect.

OK, open the connections where? I'm not quite able to follow you... Did you complete the instructions you found?

Open a console and call the command

iwconfig

If the setup worked, you should have a device there, that gives information about it being a wireless device. (They call it wlan0 in those instructions, but it could also be eth1 or similar.) If that works, try

iwlist wlan0 scan

(replacing wlan0 with the correct device name of course). If you find your network, great! If you don't... well, we'll see.

Mind you, what kind of Network are you looking for? Open? WEP? WPA? Will you need a VPN? (You won't for most private networks.)

Getting tired of me yet? :P

Nope, still keeping up! :-D

Greetings,
Nepomuk

[Markus]

Open a console and call the command

iwconfig

If the setup worked, you should have a device there, that gives information about it being a wireless device. (They call it wlan0 in those instructions, but it could also be eth1 or similar.) If that works, try

iwlist wlan0 scan

(replacing wlan0 with the correct device name of course). If you find your network, great! If you don't... well, we'll see.

I'm sorry about how disjointed I was last night. It was reeeeeal late. I'll try the instructions you gave above and report.

Thanks.

[Markus]

Regarding the network:

Security type: open (no authentication)
Encryption type: WEP
Network type: Access point

The results from iwconfig were as follows:

lo                      no wireless extensions
eth0                    no wireless extensions
pan0                    no wireless extensions
 

If I go applications -> admin -> windows wireless drivers, I do see the mrv8335.inf* driver installed and hardware installed: yes.

With the drivers you listed, do I just download them and get the .inf file out and move it over to Ubuntu?

[Nepomuk]

Security type: open (no authentication)
Encryption type: WEP
Network type: Access point

OK, that shouldn't be any problem. But now we know, what we're dealing with. ^^

lo                      no wireless extensions
eth0                    no wireless extensions
pan0                    no wireless extensions
 

OK, that's wrong. If it had worked as it should have, it would show a wireless device. Did you follow the instructions in this article? (Which you found, by the way.)

If I go applications -> admin -> windows wireless drivers, I do see the mrv8335.inf* driver installed and hardware installed: yes.

Weird. However, I don't use that tool myself (my wifi adapter was recognised automatically, so I don't need the Windows drivers). Try the console solution and see if it works.

With the drivers you listed, do I just download them and get the .inf file out and move it over to Ubuntu?

From what I understand, you'd have to do

sudo ndiswrapper -i mrv8335.inf
sudo ndiswrapper -m

with them (after they were unzipped that is), but as I said, I've never had to use ndiswrapper.

I'd suggest to try the way described in that article first of all and if something doesn't work as it should, tell us here.

Greetings,
Nepomuk

[Markus]

You see, I followed that article down to a T. I found out some more information which might prove interesting. I did this command

dmesg | grep -e ndis -e wlan
 

No output. So this command came next to start ndiswrapper

sudo modprobe ndiswrapper
 

and then the repeated the first command. I received an error in the output:

Kernel is 64-bit but Windows driver is not 64-bit;bad magic 010b

The driver is incompatible?

[Nepomuk]

The driver is incompatible?

I'm guessing, you have a 64 bit system? In this case, try using one of these drivers:

• Windows XP/Server 2003 x64 Driver (64-bit) for Yukon Devices v10.64.10.3 or
• Windows XP/Server 2003 x64 RIS INF v10.61.2.3 for Yukon Devices.

What you'll have to do is follow those instructions, but leave out the line with wget and in the next line use the name of one of those drivers I linked to. Does that work for you?

Greetings,
Nepomuk

[Markus]

It's saying the kernel is 64-bit, is that the ubuntu kernel or windows? Because my Windows is an x86 (32 bit).

Well after installing the driver you gave above (both were apparently the same), i ran that first command (in my previous post), and didn't get any errors. This is what output I got:

mark@ubuntu:~$ dmesg | grep -e ndis -e wlan
[ 15.778074] ndiswrapper version 1.53 loaded (smp=yes, preempt=no)
[ 15.986256] usbcore: registered new interface driver ndiswrapper

[Nepomuk]

It's saying the kernel is 64-bit, is that the ubuntu kernel or windows? Because my Windows is an x86 (32 bit).

The Ubuntu kernel. It doesn't care a bit about Windows. ^^

Well after installing the driver you gave above (both were apparently the same), i ran that first command (in my previous post), and didn't get any errors. This is what output I got:

Sounds good! Now, you should have a "network" symbol somewhere in the taskbar (or in one of the taskbars, if you have several) - it should look something like this:

If you click on that with the left mouse button, you should be able to choose your wireless network now. If that works, you'll be asked for the WEP key, so have that available! ^^ Also, it will ask you to setup a password for accessing the password collection, if you haven't done so already.

Greetings,
Nepomuk

[Markus]

The Ubuntu kernel. It doesn't care a bit about Windows. ^^
Sounds good! Now, you should have a "network" symbol somewhere in the taskbar (or in one of the taskbars, if you have several) - it should look something like this:

If you click on that with the left mouse button, you should be able to choose your wireless network now. If that works, you'll be asked for the WEP key, so have that available! ^^ Also, it will ask you to setup a password for accessing the password collection, if you haven't done so already.

Greetings,
Nepomuk

Nice photo, I shall try it now.

Brb.

[Markus]

Nope. In the top right there is a little picture like the one you've shown me, but this little one has a yellow/orange/red triangle at the bottom of it. If I left click the icon, it shows 2 disabled options (wired networks, and another one, I forget) and one available option: VPN. Right clicking gives me the option to edit connections and disabled networking.

/hope.

[Markus]

Could it be ndiswrapper being faulty? If I were to compile it from source, would that help?

[Nepomuk]

Could it be ndiswrapper being faulty? If I were to compile it from source, would that help?

Hm, sounds unlikely to me. What are the outputs of the two commands

iwconfig

and

iwscan wlan0 scan

(replacing wlan0 with your wireless device, which should be listed by iwconfig)?

I'll do some more research about ndiswrapper, maybe I can find something else to help you.

Mind you, which version of Ubuntu are you using? 8.04 or 8.10 I would guess?

Greetings,
Nepomuk