Comprehensive ndiswrapper troubleshooting guide

[MickM]

MickM: sorry to hear the upgrade broke your wireless. I had assumed that since the driver you needed was included in a backport package for Ubuntu 11.04, it would have made its way into 11.10; however, although the rtl8192cu driver which is included in Ubuntu 11.10 should support your device, it seems not to work well.

There's a bug report about this issue. From what I gather looking over the information there, your card might start working if you simply type:

sudo modprobe rtl8192cu
sudo ifconfig wlan0 up

If that doesn't bring up your device, though, or if the card doesn't work well after, please try the solution from post #13 of the bug report, which involves installing the driver from Realtek's website. If you need more step-by-step instructions on how to download and install the driver, let me know.

Hi pytheas22,
I have done everything above, still cannot connect via wireless, I do have internet connection via the ethernet. Can you please help.

[pytheas22]

MickM: sorry that didn't help. Please post the output of the following commands so I'll know more about your situation:

dmesg | grep -ie real -e wlan -e rtl
modinfo rtl8192cu
lshw -C Network
sudo iwlist scan
ifconfig
iwconfig

Unfortunately I'm going to be traveling starting tomorrow and may not be able to respond to you as quickly as I'd like, but I'll do my best.

[MickM]

MickM: sorry that didn't help. Please post the output of the following commands so I'll know more about your situation:

dmesg | grep -ie real -e wlan -e rtl
modinfo rtl8192cu
lshw -C Network
sudo iwlist scan
ifconfig
iwconfig

Unfortunately I'm going to be traveling starting tomorrow and may not be able to respond to you as quickly as I'd like, but I'll do my best.

Hi pytheas22,
As requested below are the results.

carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$ dmesg | grep -ie real -e wlan -e rtl
[ 30.287689] rtl8192cu: MAC address: 00:0f:11:23:08:11
[ 30.287699] rtl8192cu: Board Type 0
[ 30.379073] rtl8192cu: rx_max_size 15360, rx_urb_num 8, in_ep 1
[ 30.391098] ieee80211 phy0: Selected rate control algorithm 'rtl_rc'
[ 30.394138] usbcore: registered new interface driver rtl8192cu
[ 30.519887] rtl8192cu: MAC auto ON okay!
[ 30.576089] rtl8192cu: Tx queue select: 0x05
[ 30.580230] rtl8192c: Loading firmware file rtlwifi/rtl8192cufw.bin
[ 30.974674] ADDRCONF(NETDEV_UP): wlan0: link is not ready
[ 51.157251] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 51.356029] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 51.556038] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 51.756031] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 57.564798] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 57.764032] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 57.964026] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 58.164028] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 63.931864] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 64.128027] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 64.328033] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 64.528030] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 70.318049] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 70.516045] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 70.716026] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 70.916032] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 76.688862] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 76.888032] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 77.088031] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 77.288027] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 83.055690] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 83.252033] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 83.452033] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 83.652030] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 89.434244] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 89.632035] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 89.832040] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 90.032039] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 95.841290] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 96.040037] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 96.240038] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 96.440024] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 102.216620] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 102.416049] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 102.616046] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 102.816045] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 108.622404] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 108.820028] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 109.020033] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 109.220033] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 122.563682] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 122.760033] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 122.960042] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 123.160036] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 128.947117] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 129.144034] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 129.344029] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 129.544033] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 135.327930] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 135.524029] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 135.724033] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 135.924031] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 141.715982] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 141.916030] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 142.116048] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 142.316019] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
[ 153.820430] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 1/3)
[ 154.020026] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 2/3)
[ 154.220030] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 (try 3/3)
[ 154.420031] wlan0: direct probe to c0:3f:0e:e4:d6:64 timed out
carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$ modinfo rtl8192cu
filename: /lib/modules/3.0.0-12-generic/kernel/drivers/net/wireless/rtlwifi/rtl8192cu/rtl8192cu.ko
firmware: rtlwifi/rtl8192cufw.bin
description: Realtek 8192C/8188C 802.11n USB wireless
license: GPL
author: Larry Finger <Larry.Finger@lwfinger.net>
author: Ziv Huang <ziv_huang@realtek.com>
author: Georgia <georgia@realtek.com>
srcversion: 9550D79A3F9B707741FF904
alias: usb:v7392p7822d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2019pAB2Bd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2001p330Ad*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2001p3309d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2001p3307d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v07B8p8178d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v07B8p8178d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v07AAp0056d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0586p341Fd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v3359p13D3d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v3358p13D3d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v7392p7811d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v20F4p648Bd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2019pED17d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2019pAB2Ad*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2001p3308d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v103Cp1629d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0EB0p9071d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0DF6p0052d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0846p9041d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v07B8p8189d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v07B8p8188d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v06F8pE033d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v050Dp1102d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Cd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Bd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8177d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8754d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Ed*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Dd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Bd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Ad*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8177d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8176d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8170d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8191d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
depends: rtlwifi,mac80211,rtl8192c-common
vermagic: 3.0.0-12-generic SMP mod_unload modversions 686
carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$ sudo iwlist scan
[sudo] password for carolm:
lo Interface doesn't support scanning.

eth0 Interface doesn't support scanning.

wlan0 Scan completed :
Cell 01 - Address: C0:3F:0E:E4:D6:64
Channel:3
Frequency:2.422 GHz (Channel 3)
Quality=70/70 Signal level=-38 dBm
Encryption key:on
ESSID:"mickencarol"
Bit Rates:1 Mb/s; 2 Mb/s; 5.5 Mb/s; 11 Mb/s
Bit Rates:6 Mb/s; 9 Mb/s; 12 Mb/s; 18 Mb/s; 24 Mb/s
36 Mb/s; 48 Mb/s; 54 Mb/s
Mode:Master
Extra:tsf=000000d92eabef6d
Extra: Last beacon: 368ms ago
IE: Unknown: 000B6D69636B656E6361726F6C
IE: Unknown: 010482848B96
IE: Unknown: 030103
IE: Unknown: 2A0100
IE: Unknown: 32080C1218243048606C
IE: Unknown: DD070050F202000100
IE: Unknown: 050400010000

carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$ ifconfig
eth0 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr 00:1e:c9:7b:52:da
inet addr:192.168.0.5 Bcast:192.168.0.255 Mask:255.255.255.0
inet6 addr: fe80::21e:c9ff:fe7b:52da/64 Scope:Link
UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:1261 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:1152 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
RX bytes:1260229 (1.2 MB) TX bytes:173678 (173.6 KB)
Interrupt:16

lo Link encap:Local Loopback
inet addr:127.0.0.1 Mask:255.0.0.0
inet6 addr: ::1/128 Scope:Host
UP LOOPBACK RUNNING MTU:16436 Metric:1
RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:0 (0.0 B) TX bytes:0 (0.0 B)

wlan0 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr 00:0f:11:23:08:11
UP BROADCAST MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
RX bytes:0 (0.0 B) TX bytes:0 (0.0 B)

carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$ iwconfig
lo no wireless extensions.

eth0 no wireless extensions.

wlan0 IEEE 802.11bgn ESSID:off/any
Mode:Managed Access Point: Not-Associated Tx-Power=20 dBm
Retry long limit:7 RTS thr=2347 B Fragment thr:off
Power Management:off

carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$

[pytheas22]

MickM: hmmm, it looks like the version of the driver you were using was just bad. Did you try compiling the driver using the code from Realtek's website, according to the instructions in post #13 of this bug report? Were you able to compile the driver and load it? From what I'm reading that seems to be the solution, as the version of the driver that ships with Ubuntu 11.10 is not stable.

[MickM]

MickM: hmmm, it looks like the version of the driver you were using was just bad. Did you try compiling the driver using the code from Realtek's website, according to the instructions in post #13 of this bug report? Were you able to compile the driver and load it? From what I'm reading that seems to be the solution, as the version of the driver that ships with Ubuntu 11.10 is not stable.

Hi Pytheas22,
Yes I did that and downloaded the driver /home/carolm/Downloads/RTL8188CU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922.zip
I extracted it :- /home/carolm/Downloads/RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922
tried $ sudo sh install.sh result was :

carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$ sudo sh install.sh
[sudo] password for carolm:
sh: Can't open install.sh
carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$
So this is where I have been stuck.

Thanks
Mick M

[pytheas22]

MickM: I got the driver from Realtek's site to compile by downloading the file, cd'ing into the directory and doing:

chmod +x install.sh
sudo ./install.sh

It then built and installed the driver. In the process it removed the old version of the driver.

I did this only my Ubuntu 11.04 netbook, which is the only machine I have available at the moment while I'm traveling, but hopefully the process would work the same on Ubuntu 11.10. I'd give it a try.

[MickM]

MickM: I got the driver from Realtek's site to compile by downloading the file, cd'ing into the directory and doing:

chmod +x install.sh
sudo ./install.sh

It then built and installed the driver. In the process it removed the old version of the driver.

I did this only my Ubuntu 11.04 netbook, which is the only machine I have available at the moment while I'm traveling, but hopefully the process would work the same on Ubuntu 11.10. I'd give it a try.

pytheas22,
Please excuse my ignorance, what do you mean by "cd'ing into the directory" and how do I do that?
I have downloaded the driver it's in the Download folder. Also I can wait till you get back home and you are more comfortable.
MickM

[pytheas22]

MickM: no worries; I should have been lighter on the geek talk. By "cd'ing" I meant using the "cd" command to change into the directory where the driver files are located. If the zip file is in your Downloads directory, then you would type "cd ~/Downloads" to cd into that directory. Then unzip the file with "unzip RTL8192CU_linux_v3.1.2590.20119022.zip" (or whatever the filename is) and run the installer script.

[MickM]

MickM: no worries; I should have been lighter on the geek talk. By "cd'ing" I meant using the "cd" command to change into the directory where the driver files are located. If the zip file is in your Downloads directory, then you would type "cd ~/Downloads" to cd into that directory. Then unzip the file with "unzip RTL8192CU_linux_v3.1.2590.20119022.zip" (or whatever the filename is) and run the installer script.

Hi pytheas22,
This is what I did and the result. What am I doing wrong or have I missed something? Sorry for taking up so much of your time.


carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~/Downloads$ unzip RTL8188CU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922.zip
Archive: RTL8188CU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922.zip
replace RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/android_reference_codes/realtek_wifi_SDK_for_android_20110715.txt? [y]es, [n]o, [A]ll, [N]one, [r]ename: A
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/android_reference_codes/realtek_wifi_SDK_for_android_20110715.txt
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/android_reference_codes/SoftapController_realtek.cpp
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/HowTo build driver under kernel tree.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/HowTo enable driver to support WIFI certification test.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/HowTo enable the power saving functionality.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/HowTo support more VidPids.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/HowTo support new platform.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/linux_dhcp_server_notes.txt inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/Quick_Start_Guide_for_SoftAP.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/RTK Wi-Fi Direct Programming guide.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/RTL8192C_usb_quick_installation_guide.ppt
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/sample_code/WiFi_Direct_User_Interface/p2p_api_test_linux.c
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/sample_code/WiFi_Direct_User_Interface/p2p_test.h
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/sample_code/WiFi_Direct_User_Interface/p2p_ui_test_linux.c
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/sample_code/WiFi_Direct_User_Interface/Start Guide P2P User Interface Linux.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/SoftAP_Mode_features.doc inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/Wireless tools porting guide.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/document/wpa_cli_with_wpa_supplicant.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/driver/rtl8192_8188CU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922.tar.gz
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/install.sh
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/readme.txt
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/ReleaseNotes.doc
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/wpa_supplicant_hostapd/rtl_hostapd.conf
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/wpa_supplicant_hostapd/wireless_tools.29.tar.gz
extracting: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/wpa_supplicant_hostapd/wpa_0_6_9.conf
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/wpa_supplicant_hostapd/wpa_0_8.conf
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/wpa_supplicant_hostapd/wpa_supplicant-0.6.9_wps_patch_20100201_1.zip
inflating: RTL8192CU_8188CUS_8188CE-VAU_linux_v3.1.2590.20110922/wpa_supplicant_hostapd/wpa_supplicant_hostapd-0.8_rtw_20110824.zip
carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~/Downloads$

carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$ chmod +x install.sh
chmod: cannot access `install.sh': No such file or directory
carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$ sudo ./install.sh
[sudo] password for carolm:
sudo: ./install.sh: command not found
carolm@carolm-OptiPlex-GX620:~$

[SlaneBoy]

Good morning - I presume that this is the right place. I've dual booted Ubuntu 11.10 Oneiric Ocelot onto my XP SP3 and have come to the undeniable conclusion that I'm looking at an impossible task. I've been attempting to load the WLAN adapter that uses a Realtek RTL 8188CUS onto this Linux v3.0.0.12 generic kernel and it's so impossible that it has already defeated a pro from the Geek Squad. Ndiswrapper sees the existing driver for XP as an Invalid driver. Imagine that!! Worked immediately on Windows but gets spit out on Ubuntu. Tried loading the newest Linux 3.0 - 3.1 Linux driver as a module with make/make install and crashed my Dell OptiPlex GX 260! I'm an Electronics Tech and this should be an Automatic with a stable Operating System. Unfortunately, I'm so challenged by this that I can't quit in any way/shape or form. Is there a Realtek RTL 81922SU module built into this Oneiric Ocelot? And, if there is, how come it doesn't enable itself like Windows products would do? I'm very disappointed with Linux to the point of calling it a day alltogether. What to do? Keep trying to find a Windows driver that ndiswrapper will accept? I see roughly 25 networks and have connected to an open,unencrypted one but the Internet door is Padlocked in the extreme. I've never(ever) seen anything quite like this. Maybe one of you gentlemen have a secret key that will open the door and allow me to experiment with Ubuntu before I become violent. I have the patience of God but I must be in Hell with this issue. Maybe one of your Administrators can get me into Purgatory. Thanx and, by all means, have a very nice day from Philadelphia PA .