Hi there!
First of all, my name is Matthew.
I'm a student, and like every n00b on Earth, I have many questions for which I don't know how to find answers.
These forums look excellent, and I think they can help me a lot with my Linux questions.

I love Linux, but on my new Dell XPS M1210 laptop, I'm having some configuration issues. Specifically with hardware, including the built-in wireless network card.

I tried searching for Linux drivers, and I failed. So, I want to get my card working with ndiswrapper, since it seems easier and less messy anyway. I installed the inf driver properly, taking it from my Windows partition, and when I type ndiswrapper -l as root it shows me that the driver is installed, and the hardware has been detected. There's a problem while trying to make it all work, though. Maybe you guys can help! I'm sure you can, this question is probably just an exercise to you now. In any case, you need your exercise, so I'm asking again.


ndiswrapper is installed:

# ndiswrapper -v
utils version: 1.7
driver version: 1.10
vermagic: 2.6.16.21-0.13-smp SMP 586 REGPARM gcc-4.1

So I tried to install the inf driver from windows:

# ndiswrapper -i /windows/DELL/drivers/R129083/DRIVER/bcmwl5.inf
Installing bcmwl5
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2
Forcing parameter IBSSGMode|0 to IBSSGMode|2

Hmm, so did it work?

# ndiswrapper -l
Installed drivers:
bcmwl5 driver installed, hardware present

Yes! It worked!

Now, I typed # ndiswrapper -m and I even added the ndiswrapper as a Network Card in YaST, as suggested by a page I found on the net, and then I restarted.

udev tried to load it, but apparently failed. I tried # modprobe ndiswrapper and that didn't give me an error, so I typed # dmesg to see what's going on... Because, well, my card still wasn't working.

# dmesg
...
ndiswrapper: module not supported by Novell, setting U taint flag.
ndiswrapper version 1.10 loaded (preempt=no,smp=yes)
ndiswrapper (import:241): unknown symbol: ntoskrnl.exe:'IoGetDeviceObjectPointer'
ndiswrapper (load_sys_files:213): couldn't prepare driver 'bcmwl5'
ndiswrapper (load_wrap_driver:111): loadndiswrapper failed (65280); check system log for messages from 'loadndisdriver'
...


Oh boy.... So, I'm lost now.
If anyone could maybe help me past this, or if you how to get my card working using another method, your help would be greatly appreciated. I can also provide any additional information needed, if you tell me how to get it. I really hate booting in Windows just because I need to use my wireless Internet while my brother's on the desktop computer or something like that, and in a year when I get into university, I'll really need it to be working then!

So, thank you for reading, and I look forward to some great advice! I'm sure I'll get it here. These forums, like I've already stated, are looking very promising.

Oh yes, and, I know my card is supported, so it makes this extra frustrating:

As stated on site: http://ndiswrapper.sourceforge.net/m...index.php/List

I installed the inf driver properly, taking it from my Windows partition

You did copy every single file and not just the .inf? It does need more than just the .inf to work.

I didn't copy any files, I just left them on the windows partition and referenced the inf file using the url /windows/DELL/.../bcmwl5.inf

So, I don't see how missing files would be a problem. The .sys file is there, as well as a Security Catelog, in the Windows folders...

Any ndiswrapper-spedific help? I want to think it's the program that's the problem, and that I can fix That without having to find another driver. Because, honestly, I wouldn't know where to begin and fixing ndiswrapper seems more feasible.

AHA! A solution is found!
I set up ndiswrapper to handle my wireless card using my Windows drivers..

I updated the kernel first:
2.6.16.21-0.13-smp --> 2.6.16.21-0.21-smp
And that added ieee80211 support.

Then I installed the latest version of ndiswrapper:
utiles version: 1.8
driver version: 1.23
vermagic: 2.6.16.21-0.21-smp SMP 586 REGPARM gcc-4.1

Then I installed the Windows driver for my WiFi card, added ndiswrapper as a Wireless connection with YaST, and everything's been working perfectly every since!

This laptop is starting to function beautifully. I've gotten a little help from the two forums I've been using, but so far it's been mostly independent work. I guess this is how you guys learn, isn't it? You figure stuff out.

Anyhow, I've still got the memory card reader to set up correctly, the webcam and mic, and the media buttons. That'll make a perfect system! Wish me luck

Hello,

I have exactly the same problem, but I don't have the drivers for this wifi card. I have already erase windows of my computer...

Could you send it to me if I give you my email adress ?

(Sorry for my english, but my french is better )

i am having the problem with my dell wireless card.........
I am really new to linux and i don't even to how to install ndiswrapper and install the corresponding driver for the card..
so plz let me know how to detect my wireless card....... i installed suse 10.1.....but no wireless internet..
getting very frustrated.......
plz help me out soon.....