1) I do not use Ubuntu.
2) Ubuntu has a package manager that I do not know how to use, which also expects you to be on the net to download stuff, so we have a catch 22, since we need to download stuff to get on the net.
3) READ THE FAQ & README files for ndiswrapper after you extract it.
Here's what I would do, as someone who doesn't use Ubuntu:
Install ndiswrapper the old fashioned way (presuming you have the SOURCEcode):
FIRST:
Figure out what windows driver to use.
You need to either:
1) boot windows on the machine, go to control-panel--> device manager--> the network device in question --> driver properties, and note the name/path of the driver in use.
OR
2) Search through the Windows system directory (I don't know where, I don't use Windows) and locate the driver files for the device.
You are looking for two files, a .INF file and a .SYS file. For example, I have a Marvell Wireless device here, and the Windows files I use are called something like "marvW220.inf" and "marvW220.sys" but this is an example. Locate yours (on a WinXP or Win2K disc if possible.
OR
3) Check the WIKI and the DOCS and the FAQ on the
ndiswrapper website, and locate your network device (if it is there) and identify what file they tell you that you need from the windows machine.
When you eventually find these file(s), copy them somehow over to the Ubuntu area, or atleast have them available somehow, like on a USB stick or a floppy disk.
Now, build & install ndiswrapper:
1) Extract the ndiswrapper archive you have there, by doing something like right clicking it and selecting "Exctract here" or something like this.
1b) Copy the Windows files into the ndiswrapper folder.
2) In your file browser (Nautilus?) enter into the newly created folder of the ndiswrapper sourcecode.
3) Locate the "Console" or "Konsole" or "terminal" or "Gnome Terminal" icon in your Nautilus menu somewhere, and open a terminal window. If there is no option in Nautilus for this, then locate said terminal in the MAIN MENU of the system, and in it, use such commands as 'ls' for list and 'cd' for change directory, and make your way into the ndiswrapper folder.
4) type "
make"
5) type "
make install -i windows-filename.inf" -- I think this is right, but the docs or the website will tell you.****
**** Note that you will probably need to prepend the word "
sudo" in front of the two commands here, or atleast in front of the "
make install" command.****
6) Now, if all went well, ndiswrapper is built & installed. Note that it also comes with an "Uninstall" option, so you can remove it and either install it properly later, or whatever.
7) type "
sudo depmod"
8) type "
sudo ldconfig" just for good measure
10) type "
sudo modprobe ndiswrapper".
11) Presto! The device should be working.
If you got this far, or not, or if something is unclear, do tell.
Good luck!!
PS - The driver will probably not reload automatically upon reboot. Next time you reboot, open the terminal window and type "sudo modprobe ndiswrapper" to insert it again.
We can deal with this issue later, to make it automatic..
(And if I missed something in this procedure, Ubuntu people, please correct me for the benefit of this newcomer
)
Cheers,
Sasha