<SOLVED> Wi-Fi gone down, PCI card no longer recognised

[perplexed1]

Hello Mintites,

I've had ongoing problems with wi-fi since installing Linux Mint 17.3 Cinnamon 64 bit last week.

I'm new to linux and have done endless googling (or duckduckgoing) trying to find solutions and was reluctant to ask for help, but with this latest episode it was too much to handle and here I am.

I won't bore you all too much but the wifi did initially work with the internal pci wi-fi in my Acer Revo but kept randomly going down (network was fine, other phones/tablets still connected). The only solution despite trying all sorts of terminal commands was a reboot. the internal pci wi-fi works fine on this machine in windows 7 still (dual boot), so doubt it's faulty hardware.

I eventually worked out the wi-fi seemed to go down when the CPU was working harder, ie using vlc, unzipping files.

So I haven't been able to fix that problem. This morning it dropped again but I couldn't reboot, I have recently bought a wi-fi dongle for a raspberry pi (Tontec 150Mbps 11n USB Wifi Dongle Adapter for Raspberry Pi/Windows /Linux /Mac, REALTEK 8188 Chipset according to the packaging), so thought i'd try that on my computer and see if that temporarily solves the problem. The dongle was recognised in linux but wouldn't connect to my network. With the dongle came a drivers CD, in the linux folder there was an install.sh file.After some googling to find what I do with it, I did "sh install.sh" in the terminal. This completed with 2 errors but it let me connect to my wifi (This was soon after my pci wifi had gone down and I hadn't yet rebooted).

I thought I was getting somewhere, however on the next reboot the dongle wouldn't connect again, re-tried running the install.sh file, still no joy, but now the wifi won't connect at all with the dongle OR with the internal pci card. Unplugged dongle, rebooted again, the same.
So trying to get this tontec dongle working has somehow disabled my pci wifi card. I would undo the actions of the install.sh file but found out you couldn't.

I like linux mint but this no end of wifi problems are almost making me go back to windows 7 (sorry for the blasphemy).

I'm currently connected via ethernet to post this and the dongle is not plugged in:

me@PCLM ~ $ lspci
00:00.0 Host bridge: Intel Corporation Atom Processor D4xx/D5xx/N4xx/N5xx DMI Bridge (rev 02)
00:1b.0 Audio device: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family High Definition Audio Controller (rev 02)
00:1c.0 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family PCI Express Port 1 (rev 02)
00:1c.2 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family PCI Express Port 3 (rev 02)
00:1c.3 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family PCI Express Port 4 (rev 02)
00:1d.0 USB controller: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family USB UHCI Controller #1 (rev 02)
00:1d.1 USB controller: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family USB UHCI Controller #2 (rev 02)
00:1d.2 USB controller: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family USB UHCI Controller #3 (rev 02)
00:1d.3 USB controller: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family USB UHCI Controller #4 (rev 02)
00:1d.7 USB controller: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family USB2 EHCI Controller (rev 02)
00:1e.0 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation 82801 Mobile PCI Bridge (rev e2)
00:1f.0 ISA bridge: Intel Corporation NM10 Family LPC Controller (rev 02)
00:1f.2 SATA controller: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family SATA Controller [AHCI mode] (rev 02)
00:1f.3 SMBus: Intel Corporation NM10/ICH7 Family SMBus Controller (rev 02)
01:00.0 VGA compatible controller: NVIDIA Corporation GT218 [ION] (rev a2)
01:00.1 Audio device: NVIDIA Corporation High Definition Audio Controller (rev a1)
03:00.0 Ethernet controller: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL8111/8168/8411 PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Controller (rev 06)

me@PCLM ~ $ inxi -Fxz
System: Host: PCLM Kernel: 3.19.0-32-generic x86_64 (64 bit gcc: 4.8.2)
Desktop: Cinnamon 2.8.6 (Gtk 3.10.8~8+qiana)
Distro: Linux Mint 17.3 Rosa
Machine: System: Acer product: Aspire R3700
Mobo: Acer model: TPDS05 R3700
Bios: American Megatrends v: P01-B0L date: 08/18/2011
CPU: Dual core Intel Atom D525 (-HT-MCP-) cache: 512 KB
flags: (lm nx sse sse2 sse3 ssse3) bmips: 7182
clock speeds: max: 1795 MHz 1: 1795 MHz 2: 1795 MHz 3: 1795 MHz
4: 1795 MHz
Graphics: Card: NVIDIA GT218 [ION] bus-ID: 01:00.0
Display Server: X.Org 1.17.1 drivers: nvidia (unloaded: fbdev,vesa,nouveau)
Resolution: 1920x1080@60.0hz
GLX Renderer: ION/PCIe/SSE2
GLX Version: 3.3.0 NVIDIA 340.96 Direct Rendering: Yes
Audio: Card-1 Intel NM10/ICH7 Family High Definition Audio Controller
driver: snd_hda_intel bus-ID: 00:1b.0
Card-2 NVIDIA High Definition Audio Controller
driver: snd_hda_intel bus-ID: 01:00.1
Sound: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture v: k3.19.0-32-generic
Network: Card: Realtek RTL8111/8168/8411 PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Controller
driver: r8169 v: 2.3LK-NAPI port: e800 bus-ID: 03:00.0
IF: eth0 state: up speed: 100 Mbps duplex: full mac: <filter>
Drives: HDD Total Size: 152.2GB (43.0% used)
ID-1: /dev/sda model: SanDisk_SDSSDHII size: 120.0GB
ID-2: USB /dev/sdc model: Ultra_Backup size: 16.0GB
ID-3: USB /dev/sde model: Flash_Disk size: 16.2GB
Partition: ID-1: / size: 23G used: 5.8G (27%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/sda3
ID-2: swap-1 size: 2.05GB used: 0.00GB (0%) fs: swap dev: /dev/sda4
RAID: No RAID devices: /proc/mdstat, md_mod kernel module present
Sensors: System Temperatures: cpu: 52.0C mobo: 46.0C gpu: 0.0:62C
Fan Speeds (in rpm): cpu: N/A
Info: Processes: 189 Uptime: 1:21 Memory: 1336.5/3952.0MB
Init: Upstart runlevel: 2 Gcc sys: 4.8.4
Client: Shell (bash 4.3.111) inxi: 2.2.28
me@PCLM ~ $ sudo /usr/lib/linuxmint/mintWifi/mintWifi.py
[sudo] password for me:
-------------------------
* I. scanning WIFI PCI devices...
-------------------------
* II. querying ndiswrapper...
-------------------------
* III. querying iwconfig...
eth0 no wireless extensions.

lo no wireless extensions.

-------------------------
* IV. querying ifconfig...
eth0 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr d0:27:88:7d:90:9c
inet addr:192.168.1.9 Bcast:192.168.1.255 Mask:255.255.255.0
inet6 addr: fe80::d227:88ff:fe7d:909c/64 Scope:Link
UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:14633 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:12206 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
RX bytes:14103619 (14.1 MB) TX bytes:1812648 (1.8 MB)

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:65536 Metric:1
RX packets:6146 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:6146 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:2539734 (2.5 MB) TX bytes:2539734 (2.5 MB)

-------------------------
* V. querying DHCP...
RTNETLINK answers: File exists
-------------------------
* VI. querying nslookup google.com...
Server: 192.168.1.254
Address: 192.168.1.254#53

Non-authoritative answer:
Name: google.com
Address: 216.58.210.78

[Pjotr]

trying all sorts of terminal commands

That's probably part of the problem. A thoroughly messed-up system.

Boot your computer from the Mint DVD into a live session, and then post the output of the following commands (again):

Code: Select all

inxi -Fxz

and:

Code: Select all

rfkill list all

[perplexed1]

Hi Pjotr, I appreciate the offer to help.

I think I've located the problem, It looks like my pci wifi card is now fried/broken. Strange how it's broken just as I installed the wifi dongle drivers.

I booted into Mint Live like you said and did the commands, however I thought it strange that the wifi card still didnt appear to show in the terminal in live, so then I retried a windows boot to make sure the pci wifi was defintiely working (it was last night) However wifi via pci no longer works on there either. I opened up the computer, took out the wifi card and cleaned the contacts etc, replaced it, same result.

Is there anyway of knowing its the wifi card that's busted and not something fried on the motherboard?

If so, can you or anyone recommend a wifi pci adapter (that will work with my computer) or USB dongle that will work well with linux mint 17.3? Internal wi-fi would be better. My machine is definitely showing it's age now but it might be a few more months before I can get a new one.

Results below from the Linux Mint Live boot, although probably not relevant any more.

mint@mint ~ $ inxi -Fxz
System: Host: mint Kernel: 3.19.0-32-generic x86_64 (64 bit gcc: 4.8.2)
Desktop: Cinnamon 2.8.6 (Gtk 3.10.8~8+qiana)
Distro: Linux Mint 17.3 Rosa
Machine: System: Acer product: Aspire R3700
Mobo: Acer model: TPDS05 R3700
Bios: American Megatrends v: P01-B0L date: 08/18/2011
CPU: Dual core Intel Atom D525 (-HT-MCP-) cache: 512 KB
flags: (lm nx sse sse2 sse3 ssse3) bmips: 7182
clock speeds: max: 1795 MHz 1: 1795 MHz 2: 1795 MHz 3: 1795 MHz
4: 1795 MHz
Graphics: Card: NVIDIA GT218 [ION] bus-ID: 01:00.0
Display Server: X.Org 1.17.1 drivers: nouveau (unloaded: fbdev,vesa)
Resolution: 1920x1080@60.0hz
GLX Renderer: Gallium 0.4 on NVA8
GLX Version: 3.0 Mesa 10.5.9 Direct Rendering: Yes
Audio: Card-1 Intel NM10/ICH7 Family High Definition Audio Controller
driver: snd_hda_intel bus-ID: 00:1b.0
Card-2 NVIDIA High Definition Audio Controller
driver: snd_hda_intel bus-ID: 01:00.1
Sound: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture v: k3.19.0-32-generic
Network: Card: Realtek RTL8111/8168/8411 PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Controller
driver: r8169 v: 2.3LK-NAPI port: e800 bus-ID: 03:00.0
IF: eth0 state: up speed: 100 Mbps duplex: full mac: <filter>
Drives: HDD Total Size: 136.0GB (4.4% used)
ID-1: /dev/sda model: SanDisk_SDSSDHII size: 120.0GB temp: 51C
ID-2: USB /dev/sdb model: Ultra_Backup size: 16.0GB temp: 0C
Partition: ID-1: / size: 2.0G used: 35M (2%) fs: overlay dev: N/A
ID-2: swap-1 size: 2.05GB used: 0.00GB (0%) fs: swap dev: /dev/sda4
RAID: No RAID devices: /proc/mdstat, md_mod kernel module present
Sensors: System Temperatures: cpu: 58.0C mobo: 48.0C gpu: 67.0
Fan Speeds (in rpm): cpu: N/A
Info: Processes: 173 Uptime: 1 min Memory: 363.8/3952.0MB
Init: Upstart runlevel: 2 Gcc sys: 4.8.4
Client: Shell (bash 4.3.111) inxi: 2.2.28
mint@mint ~ $ rfkill list all
mint@mint ~ $

[Pjotr]

OK... Let's see if we can get that Tontec dongle that you already have, to work as it should. Please repeat the same two commands with that dongle plugged into your computer.

[perplexed1]

Of course

me@PCLM ~ $ inxi -Fxz
System: Host: PCLM Kernel: 3.19.0-32-generic x86_64 (64 bit gcc: 4.8.2)
Desktop: Cinnamon 2.8.6 (Gtk 3.10.8~8+qiana)
Distro: Linux Mint 17.3 Rosa
Machine: System: Acer product: Aspire R3700
Mobo: Acer model: TPDS05 R3700
Bios: American Megatrends v: P01-B0L date: 08/18/2011
CPU: Dual core Intel Atom D525 (-HT-MCP-) cache: 512 KB
flags: (lm nx sse sse2 sse3 ssse3) bmips: 7181
clock speeds: max: 1795 MHz 1: 1795 MHz 2: 1795 MHz 3: 1795 MHz
4: 1795 MHz
Graphics: Card: NVIDIA GT218 [ION] bus-ID: 01:00.0
Display Server: X.Org 1.17.1 drivers: nvidia (unloaded: fbdev,vesa,nouveau)
Resolution: 1920x1080@60.0hz
GLX Renderer: ION/PCIe/SSE2
GLX Version: 3.3.0 NVIDIA 340.96 Direct Rendering: Yes
Audio: Card-1 Intel NM10/ICH7 Family High Definition Audio Controller
driver: snd_hda_intel bus-ID: 00:1b.0
Card-2 NVIDIA High Definition Audio Controller
driver: snd_hda_intel bus-ID: 01:00.1
Sound: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture v: k3.19.0-32-generic
Network: Card-1: Realtek RTL8111/8168/8411 PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Controller
driver: r8169 v: 2.3LK-NAPI port: e800 bus-ID: 03:00.0
IF: eth0 state: up speed: 100 Mbps duplex: full mac: <filter>
Card-2: Realtek RTL8188CUS 802.11n WLAN Adapter
driver: rtl8192cu usb-ID: 001-012
IF: wlan1 state: N/A mac: N/A
Drives: HDD Total Size: 152.2GB (51.2% used)
ID-1: /dev/sda model: SanDisk_SDSSDHII size: 120.0GB
ID-2: USB /dev/sdb model: Flash_Disk size: 16.2GB
ID-3: USB /dev/sdc model: Ultra_Backup size: 16.0GB
Partition: ID-1: / size: 23G used: 5.9G (28%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/sda3
ID-2: swap-1 size: 2.05GB used: 0.00GB (0%) fs: swap dev: /dev/sda4
RAID: No RAID devices: /proc/mdstat, md_mod kernel module present
Sensors: System Temperatures: cpu: 59.0C mobo: 48.0C gpu: 0.0:69C
Fan Speeds (in rpm): cpu: N/A
Info: Processes: 219 Uptime: 1:53 Memory: 1768.9/3952.0MB
Init: Upstart runlevel: 2 Gcc sys: 4.8.4
Client: Shell (bash 4.3.111) inxi: 2.2.28
me@PCLM ~ $ rfkill list all
0: phy0: Wireless LAN
Soft blocked: no
Hard blocked: no
me@PCLM ~ $

Tontec dongle lists wifi networks but won't connect (works on the pi).

p.s. Is that your site in the sig?

[Pjotr]

That's my website, yes.

The Tontec problem should be solvable like this, thankfully without much effort:
https://sites.google.com/site/easylinux ... 0bda:8178-
(item 2, left column)

[perplexed1]

hey thanks again, just looking at the link now.

Big thanks for the website , spent around a full day working through your 17.3 articles the other day. it was so helpful and informative for a noob like me. Most of the tutorials you find online are out of date etc, so it was refreshing to find very helpful articles for your specific flavour/build/distro or whatever. Fantastic work!

[perplexed1]

Pjotr, it's worked !

You've been a massive help, thankyou.

Now the question is whether i source another exact same tontec dongle (I will need this one for the pi at some stage) or go for a usb dongle with better linux drivers that will just work? Is there a resource or list of recommended dongles anywhere? My internal wireless card is a pci half mini (apparently), so the same goes for that.

[Pjotr]

Glad to hear that it worked, and thanks for the compliments for my website.

About your next buy: this TP-LINK dongle works out of the box, although it has an optical bug (the wireless network strength is shown as 0, and near to 0 after connecting):
http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WN725N ... B008IFXQFU

In order to partly remove that optical bug, you still need to install something though:
https://sites.google.com/site/easylinux ... 0bda:8179-
(item 5, left column)

The advantage of that particular dongle is, that at least it works out of the box. And that installing another driver isn't strictly necessary.

[perplexed1]

That's great thankyou, you're a star