Installed Linux Mint 17.3 on Old Dell, WiFi Isn't Working.

optiplex · 06-03-2016, 12:55 AM

Hello, I took Windows XP off my old Dell and replaced it with linux because it's a lot more stable and is still being supported. However, while the installation of linux went perfectly fine, I can't seem to get the proper drivers needed to get the wifi working. Would anyone have any helpful tips on how to fix this?

Emerson · 06-03-2016, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optiplex

Hello, I took Windows XP off my old Dell and replaced it with linux because it's a lot more stable and is still being supported. However, while the installation of linux went perfectly fine, I can't seem to get the proper drivers needed to get the wifi working. Would anyone have any helpful tips on how to fix this?

Yes you could check out what wireless card you have and install drivers for it using the documentation for your distro.

optiplex · 06-03-2016, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emerson

Yes you could check out what wireless card you have and install drivers for it using the documentation for your distro.

Alright, so all I would need to do is download the drivers from the ancient wifi card the Dell has and then upload them to linux via flash drive and it will start working?

Emerson · 06-03-2016, 02:59 AM

There are unlimited resources on the internet for Linux.

beachboy2 · 06-03-2016, 07:58 AM

optiplex,

Look at posts # 2 and #10 on here:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...er-4175581010/

I recommend using use MX-15 instead of Linux Mint 17.3.

MX-15 has the huge advantage of automatically enabling the difficult Broadcom B43 and B44 wifi drivers.

See post #4:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ed-4175562614/

MX-15:
http://www.mepiscommunity.org/download-links

Installation:
http://www.mepiscommunity.org/installing-mx-15

Users manual:
http://www.mepiscommunity.org/user_m...#toc-Section-2

Review:
http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/mx-15.html

optiplex · 06-03-2016, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachboy2

optiplex,

Look at posts # 2 and #10 on here:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...er-4175581010/

I recommend using use MX-15 instead of Linux Mint 17.3.

MX-15 has the huge advantage of automatically enabling the difficult Broadcom B43 and B44 wifi drivers.

See post #4:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ed-4175562614/

MX-15:
http://www.mepiscommunity.org/download-links

Installation:
http://www.mepiscommunity.org/installing-mx-15

Users manual:
http://www.mepiscommunity.org/user_m...#toc-Section-2

Review:
http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/mx-15.html

Hello, and thank you for the informative response. I've clicked on your link to the hardware problems section and you've recommended the ASUS USB-N13 wireless adapter. Would that work with my current kernel of linux? If so, I may have to make a Wal-Mart run, as it is carried there.

ardvark71 · 06-03-2016, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optiplex

Hello, I took Windows XP off my old Dell and replaced it with linux because it's a lot more stable and is still being supported. However, while the installation of linux went perfectly fine, I can't seem to get the proper drivers needed to get the wifi working. Would anyone have any helpful tips on how to fix this?

Hello and welcome to the forum

What model (and model number) is your Dell?

Also, if you would, please open a terminal and post the results of these commands...

Code:

lspci -nnk | grep -i net -A2

Code:

lsmod

Code:

iwconfig

To make it easy, you can just copy and paste them into the terminal and hit "Enter" and then copy and paste the results into your next post.

Regards...

optiplex · 06-03-2016, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardvark71

Hello and welcome to the forum

What model (and model number) is your Dell?

Also, if you would, please open a terminal and post the results of these commands...

Code:

lspci -nnk | grep -i net -A2

Code:

lsmod

Code:

iwconfig

To make it easy, you can just copy and paste them into the terminal and hit "Enter" and then copy and paste the results into your next post.

Regards...

It's an old Optiplex GX620, and I'll get cracking on those terminal commands soon.

beachboy2 · 06-03-2016, 04:51 PM

optiplex,

Quote:

you've recommended the ASUS USB-N13 wireless adapter. Would that work with my current kernel of linux? If so, I may have to make a Wal-Mart run, as it is carried there.

I have not used it personally but other Linux users find that it works fine.

You either pay $18 for the Asus USB-N13 and use Linux Mint, OR you use the free MX-15.

Being a tight-fisted person, I would try the free option first and then if that didn't work, I would buy a Linux-friendly USB adapter (or use an ethernet cable. This may well not be practical!).

There is no need to boost Wal-Mart's profits.

It is your decision.

frankbell · 06-03-2016, 09:36 PM

If it's a Dell, especially if it's not a high-end Dell, the odds are that it has Broadcom wireless. Every Dell laptop I've had (I'm a low-end kind of guy) has had Broadcom wireless.

This post about Linux and Broadcom should help: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ux-4175434970/

floppy_stuttgart · 06-04-2016, 07:49 AM

linux mint 17 with gnome for that "good Old box" ? not sure this give you the feeling it works as fast as a space shuttle.
first: look for for another distro. http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...xp-4175502495/ (the lightweight distro, not the fat ones)
or http://distrowatch.com/search.php?ca...=Old+Computers
- mepis
- debian lxde
- antix ..
second: post the results of the line command as per previous post
third: we will make you totally happy and give you the feeling of a second life start