Ubuntu
gnome-nettool package

Wireless Realtek Device 8172 (rev 10) in ThinkPad R500 inoperative

Asked by dmanges

I just purchased a brand new Lenovo ThinkPad R500 for personal use. I've always purchased IBM/Lenovo ThinkPads because of the remarkable hardware support I've had in Linux with them. Unfortunately, I am having problems with Ubuntu 9.04 & 9.10 with getting the WiFi and WebCam to work. I've looked in the forums and found that the NDISWRAPPER solution only works in 32-bit versions of the OS, which I'd hate to go back to. Is there any driver solution for these components (wireless & webcam) that won't require that I downgrade to a 32-bit OS?

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Mark Rijckenberg (markrijckenberg) said : 		#1

According to this link

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1182457&page=2

ndiswrapper is only compatible with the 32-bit Windows 2000 wireless drivers in the 32-bit edition of Ubuntu.

64-bit Ubuntu will not work, because ndiswrapper cannot handle 64-bit Windows drivers.

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dmanges (dmanges) said : 		#2

Thanks for the quick response. I understand that it's only for 32-bit drivers, I guess I'm wondering if there are any opensource drivers for these devices, particularly the wireless card (Realtek 8172) that will work in a Ubuntu 64-bit OS

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#3

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/401126

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#4

http://forum.novatech.co.uk/showthread.php?p=189897

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dmanges (dmanges) said : 		#5

Okay, PLEASE read my question. I KNOW THAT 32-bit DRIVERS WORK with NDISWRAPPER. All I'm asking is if there is going to be a 64-bit alternative. Please don't post any more links to "how great" it works in a 32-bit OS. As much as I appreciate you're help, please just read my question. If there is no solution, or if there isn't going to be one anytime soon, please just say so. Thanks again.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#6

Looks like not, ndiswrapper appears to be the only option. If you prefer native drivers you should buy a more supported device.

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Hockeyrink (hockeyrink) said : 		#7

Darn. That sucks. I have same issue with brand-new Toshiba T110-006 with precisely same wifi card. Darn-narbit! Hate having to use this dumb netgear usb dongle, but at least it works...

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