Need WLAN working in Ubuntu (Atheros I think)

[stressfreesoul]

After much struggling trying to get a windows install on this horrible laptop, I decided to try Ubuntu. Lo and Behold, it worked.
Now I would like to get the Atheros wireless adapter working, if possible.
Version is Jaunty Jackalope
Laptop is a HP G60-100EM
I little walkthrough would be nice as I havent had to mess on with linux wireless for a long time.
Any ideas are massively appreciated as this is gonna have to be a real and full windows replacement for it to be accepted.

[eneles]

I've noticed that the latest Linux kernels have problems with some NICs.
Is the wired LAN working? If so - install updates.

[stressfreesoul]

I think it works, I just need to set it up. Ive activated the 'MadWIFI' drivers, just not sure where to go from there.
Its already done all its updates, as I installed with the LAN cable in and let it do its thang once finished and booted up.
Does it have to be set up for each individual router/WAP that I'd want to connect to?
Or is there an automation or scan-for-WLAN available?

[stressfreesoul]

Apologies, I havent been very observant or resourceful...
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/WiFiHowTo

[eneles]

I don't have any Linux distro installed at the moment - and can't remember how to configure the network.

But, on all the computers I've installed Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, Mandrake etc) the network was auto-configured and ready to go. Only needed the password for the WLAN.

Hopefully somebody else can remember how to configure WLAN in Ubuntu...

[stressfreesoul]

My problem has changed. I can now connect to a network(?) but there is zero signal (all details for the router login are correct).
Should this thread be moved?

[eneles]

Can you get a wireless connection/signal with other computers?

[stressfreesoul]

Yes.
All windows laptops have connected to either of my wireless access points without a hitch.
Even a laptop with an identical WLAN adapter has worked with windows, just never had to try getting it to work with Ubuntu.
I suspect something is wrong with the actual driver for it, I'm pretty sure the antenna light isn't supposed to be red...
Secondly, the wireless network option in the taskbar icon menu shouldn't be greyed out.

[eneles]

OK. Not sure if this will help you...
I've installed Ubuntu 9.04 on an old HP laptop now. After installation the wireless network seemed dead - no light etc.

See if there's a "circuit card" icon saying "Restricted drivers available". If so - click it and activate any wireless driver in the window that opens.

u1.jpg

When the driver's been installed - see if any wireless networks are detected.

u2.jpg

[stressfreesoul]

No, I dont get any networks detected. Im glad you posted the picture of yours actually detecting something.
Mine doesnt have anything listed there. At all.
It only says wireless network.
I guess its a case of a new driver for the card from somewhere (I have tried the driver that is automatically used, plus the alternate madwifi proprietary driver).

[eneles]

The G60-100EM shouldn't have compatibility issues with 9.04. The WiFi is Atheros AR5009.

Check this: http://www.linlap.com/wiki/hp+pavilion+g60
Seems like that site has some good tutorials and tools: http://www.linlap.com/wiki/installation+guide

Wonky wireless chips aren't exactly rare - especially not in (HP) laptops.
Tell us about this particular PC. What happened when you tried to install Windows... BSOD? Or just "freeze"? When (installation stage)?

[stressfreesoul]

Thankyou for the link, Im going to try the 32 bit version to see if it makes any difference

I had tried XP, Vista and Win 7 RC, 6 attempted installs (tried both the 32 and64 bit flavours)
It gave a similar BSOD with each, which I believe related to the new HDD.
The only thing I can think of that has allowed Ubuntu and not Windows is the Ext3 file system.
All of the Windows installs would have been NTFS.
When attempting a Windows XP install, it would format, copy files then on the reboot it would BSOD before getting to the installing screen.
When attempting a Windows Vista or 7 install, it would get halfway along the progress bar before stopping and after much time it would give me a stop message and an error code (which I forgot to write down, something in the 0x08 range).
Do HP laptops do things like this when you dont replace parts with genuine HP replacements?
Or will it only work with a HP recovery disk?

[eneles]

I'm not 100% sure, but HP laptops should accept most HDDs.

I have installed XP retail, Vista retail and 7 on two different HP laptops.
With your laptop I would try disabling LAN/WLAN and USB in BIOS prior to installing Windows.

[stressfreesoul]

It wont allow me to disable any of the LAN or USB in BIOS. There is no option to.

[eneles]

In Ubuntu - try troubleshooting ndiswrapper. Not easy, but here's a tutorial: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=885847

[stressfreesoul]

Before I do, Im taking a look at every disto I have on disk (most of them are the latest version, I like to keep a copy just in case) to see if any will work straight out of the box.
Its only because I hate having to turn to Ubuntu as an introduction to linux, I do it all too often.
Slax, Ubuntu 8.04 and 9.04 x86 versions have not given any immediate results, I shall keep trying until I find the problem or accept that the wireless card is dead...
On a similar note, is it easy to get a USB 'G' adapter working? Most people have one of them lying about...

[stressfreesoul]

I managed to get a USB dongle working with ndiswrapper and the ndisgtk front end.
I would imagine its just as easy for most USB adapters, so Im going to leave it at that.
For the record:
Install ndiswrapper and ndisgtk from either terminal or synaptec package manager.

Then, click System menu > Administration > Windows wireless drivers

once the loader is opened, browse to the .inf file (usually in the driver folder on the installation CD).


Unfortunately it wasnt as easy with the Atheros, I cant get the HP driver to work at all as it comes as an exe package.
Know where I can get the driver only from?

[eneles]

Download the driver exe package: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/soft ... ct=3754031

Then extract it (in a folder) with 7-zip.

BTW - Linux Mint is the most user friendly distro, IMO. Even teachers can use it.

[stressfreesoul]

I thought I might try replacing the wireless card, I had one to hand.
It worked without any adjustment.
Seems as though the Atheros item had died.
I now have full functionality, including the WiFi blue light being on.
At least Ive learned how to use ndiswrapper!