Just got my WiFi working and would like to share the steps that helped me in case it helps others with the same problem.
Of course YMMV! Not sure if this is the right category to post in so please move if required.
Mageia 2 flavor: 64-bit DVD version on USB flash memory stick using mandriva-seed.sh ftp://distrib-coffee.ipsl.jussieu.fr/pub/linux/MandrivaLinux/official/iso/2010.0/mandriva-seed.sh
My system: Desktop (tower), Asus mainboard (home built), Intel i2500k cpu, 16GB ram, 2 HDD
Edimax wireless PCI adapter EW-7612PIN, Hauwei HG531 modem/router, Windows 7 64-bit installed
Me: Experienced only with "easy" distros, Ubuntu 12.04 (Precise) installed on Laptop. Some command line.
Story
Ok, installed from USB stick but did not yet setup wifi during install. Rebooted and a beautiful deskop faded into view
Did not work
So no internet yet. Downloaded linux driver from Edimax, but could not compile (error messages that was above my head!)
Tried downloading various linux drivers for Edimax and shoving it into etc/firmware/ directory, and rebooting - no good
Tried lots of other things that didnt work - wont list them, no point, cant remember! Googled lots and lots of "Mageia 2 wifi not working pages" till my head was spinning
Progress!
Gave in and hefted my desktop downstairs and directly connected with wired LAN
Connected OK with LAN not surprisingly. But still no wifi, also not surprisingly!
Googled a ton more sites "Mageia wifi adapter dirver" etc,etc,etc
Changed the repositories (sources) list to include non-free sources and removed the DVD:
Software Manager-> Options->Media Manager
On Software Manager, searched for and found the wifi chip (RTL8191SE) and ticked and applied.
Hey! a list of local access points were listed including mine (TalkTalk)
But cannot connect to it.Tried a million ways to configure the connection but no luck
At Last!
More Googling all sorts of terms (google servers started smoking I'm sure!!!)
Saw Herr Doktor (doktor5000
) suggestion about un-installing NetworkManager sofired up Software Manager and searched for and removed NetworkManager.
Rebooted and hallelujah wifi CONNECTED
Key Steps TL;DR
After installing Mageia:
- 1) Connect with wired LAN (sorry if you dont have Lan access)
- 2) Get repositories to include non-free sources (also remove the installation DVD from sources)
- 3)Find your adapter on Software Manager and install (might need reboot)
- 4)Uninstall NetworkManager, and Reboot (maybe several times)
- The very best of luck!!!
Links I found useful: https://wiki.mageia.org/en/Installation_of_Mageia_in_dual_boot_with_Windows
https://wiki.mageia.org/en/Installation_Media
