Dell Inspiron 1501 - made over from Win 7 to Linux Mint 19.1 - WLAN & power off problems
 

Dell Inspiron 1501 - 2GB RAM - Linux Mint 19.1 Tessa Cinnamon

Initially gave message "Cinnamon crashed" but that seems OK now after some updates

Now got 2 problems
1. WLAN unavailable (worked fine under Windows 7)
2. Does not power off properly, hangs on LM logo, have to hold down power key to turn off - can live with this but really need WLAN

WLAN specs
Broadcom WLAN BCM4311 802.11b/g
wireless 1390 mini-card
ID = 14e4:4311

opened terminal and ran this command

sudo apt-get install firmware-b43-installer

was not sure it worked, so ran it again and this time got message
to say already installed (words to that effect)

restarted, and still no visible option to select WLAN connection

iwconfig gives this result
eth0 no wireless extensions
lo no wireless extensions

I have an assortment of screen shots from various other commands that I have tried, but am just getting nowhere (been a Windows user for too long)

TIA - dicky

A websearch for "mint linux broadcom4311" turned up this: https://camstechnotes.wordpress.com/...t-17-1-update/

screenshots from dmesg
 

thank you Frank - that looks like a very helpful link - the inxi -N command showed exactly the same hardware, and my ethernet is working fine

I had a bit of a shock when i ran dmesg - was not sure what to expect! do I believe everything it says, or have I dropped a brick?

if I can attach screenshot here (being a linux noob) I hope somebody can hold my hand and tell me what is going on?

many thanks - dicky

Full report from dmesg - am I missing something obvious?
 

finally read the instructions on getting dmesg to produce a report file - name used not significant afaik

if some kind soul can spot a problem in the report file, and hold my hand to correct it, I will be delighted

FWIW - I am trying to get some elderly Vista laptops to work in Linux, so I can donate them to several children's hospices that I support, rather than throw them away.

This is how I am repaying the good work by the NHS who appear to have cured me of prostate cancer - "Share The Love"
I am proud to belong to a group of aging engineers and ne'er-do-wells who like to "re-purpose" old equipment.

For my sins, I am also the group webmaster - if you want a laugh take a look at www.grumpyoldgits.org

Many thanks - dicky

dmesg report file attached (hopefully)
 

dmesg report file attached

Could you provide a little detail about what in those laptops is working/not working and about the specs of the laptops? It will help persons parse the file.

Glad you're doing okay.

Visited the website. Love the motto!

laptop specs and what's not working
 

Thanks Frank - I will wait for informed advice before I mess about any more!

laptop is an old Dell Inspiron 1501
Processor AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-50 (AMD Turion 64 X2)
Graphics adapter ATI Radeon Xpress 1150 - 128 MB
Display 15.4 inch 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixel, glossy: yes
Mainboard Intel 945PM
Memory = 2GB DDR2

Laptop appeared to be working OK, but very slow under Winder windows 7 32 bit Home edition

Under Linux Mint I have 2 problems
1. Despite following instructions to install B43 driver, I cannot enable WIFI
2. Laptop will not shut down properly, just hangs on LM logo, so I have to force power off by holding down on/off button

I cannot hope to fix these problems without expert help - nearly 2 weeks with no reply - starting to think I may have to reluctantly re-install Win 7 and use this clunker as a raffle prize to raise funds for more toys for the hospice kids - I do have a few tablets that I repaired (smashed touch screens) to pass on to the kids to keep them occupied & amused in their time of need.

Member Response
 

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

I have a Dell 1501 and seem to remember that you will need to use the 'wl' driver and firmware. Been a while since I used the machine and is not accessible by me at this time. Maybe this will help;HOW TO: Install Broadcom-STA (wl) driver in LMDE - Linux Mint ...

Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!
:hattip:

Many thanks Onebuck! All the instructions I found so far point firmly to B43 driver for Broadcom WLAN BCM4311 Wireless 1390 mini card

But as I seem to have hit a brick wall, with that approach, I am happy to try to install WL stuff

Will report back as to success or not! cheers - dicky

PS ..... just had a possibly stupid thought.... will it affect laptop performance if I installed wrong version of Linux Mint 19.1 Tessa cinnamon?
seeing that CPU is described as Processor AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-50 (AMD Turion 64 X2)
I'm pretty sure I installed 32 bit version, seeing that I only have 2GB of DDR2 RAM
Do I need to slap my face and start over with 64 bit version of Linux?

Member Response
 

Hi,

I would use x86_64 for that architecture. I use 'Slackware64' on my Dell 1501 with the 'wl/STA' driver & firmware with no performance issues. Your limitation with x86_32 would be memory and to extend it would require PAE so why not use X86_64. Other pluses are that your support would be longer for X86_64.

Hope you get things worked out for all those 1501.

Have fun & enjoy!
:hattip:

many thanks Onebuck - just one further question before I start down this new path - I am trying to keep some resemblance to a Windows laptop, with a view to passing this machine on to one of the more "techy" patients at a children's hospice (who will presumably be somewhat familiar with a Windows setup) - with that in mind, which is more "Windows-alike" - Linux Mint, or Slackware?
Many thanks - dicky

Member Response
 

Hi,

Slackware will require one to get more into the intrinsic aspects of the OS. If you wish someone to be hand held then Slackware would not be the best choice. I am a dire hard Slackware user and would encourage everyone to use it but it will require that person to have a means to drive or dive into the system. Slackware will never be a hold your hand distribution but my suggestion would be to use something that is turnkey.

Ubuntu style would let someone entry to Linux but realize it will only get that person entry in to usage by someone else's control.

Once you Slack then you will never go back! Too learn Slackware then you will know what is required to operate.
Hope this helps.
Have fun and enjoy!
:hattip: