Trying to install a modem (USB) in Ubuntu

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of installing a USB modem (Huawei SmartAX MT882) on Ubuntu 7.10, with participants sharing their experiences, suggestions, and troubleshooting steps. The scope includes technical support, potential hardware upgrades, and user experiences with different Ubuntu versions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports difficulty installing the modem on Ubuntu 7.10, noting it works on Windows XP.
  • Another participant suggests that drivers may not be available for the modem and recommends purchasing a modern router instead.
  • There is a discussion about the possibility of using a newer version of Ubuntu (9.10) that may have better driver support.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of the modem's drivers and whether they can be installed successfully.
  • One participant recounts a past issue with an Ethernet cable leading to a blue screen of death on Windows, which influences their decision to avoid using Ethernet.
  • Another participant suggests that if the Ethernet cable or port is faulty, it could be easily replaced, and questions about warranty and support arise.
  • One participant shares their success in connecting to the internet after switching to an Ethernet connection, although they express concerns about the stability of Windows with the new setup.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the feasibility of using the USB modem versus switching to Ethernet or a router. There is no consensus on the availability of drivers for the modem or the best course of action moving forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various Ubuntu versions and their experiences with modem compatibility, but there are unresolved questions about driver installation and hardware reliability. The discussion reflects a mix of technical troubleshooting and personal anecdotes.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for users facing similar issues with modem installation on Ubuntu, those considering hardware upgrades, or individuals interested in user experiences with different Ubuntu versions.

fluidistic
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I just installed Ubuntu 7.10 and I'm unable to install my modem which works perfectly under Windows XP. The model is a Huawei SmartAX MT882. I have the drivers in a CD I believe, but I'm unable to install them. I have absolutely no experience with Ubuntu/Linux so any help is welcome.
P.S.: I can't use the Ethernet cable.
 
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yeah I bet there aren't drivers that will work. you may want to buy a modern router which you likely won't need a driver

btw, why aren't you using 9.1?
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
yeah I bet there aren't drivers that will work. you may want to buy a modern router which you likely won't need a driver

btw, why aren't you using 9.1?

Ouch!
Because it has been more than a year I was doubting about installing Ubuntu. I had downloaded the live CD by that time. Recently I've read that the installation could work with drivers and I decided to install Ubuntu. I thought it would have been easy to get Internet and then actualizing to Ubuntu 9.1.
Are you sure that no driver would work?
I attach a PDF file in the CD of my modem. It says how to install them but with RedHat 8.0 I think. I've tried to follow them, but the command [nameofuser@ys src]# didn't work.
 

Attachments

No I'm not sure, but I did some research and many others have your problem with the only solution being to buy a router to put in between.
 
Ok, thank you!
Even with the version 9.10? I might try it... I'm downloading it right now. I just don't know how to replace my 7.10 version though.
 
fluidistic said:
Even with the version 9.10?

It's worth a shot, there may be some generic driver support for it now.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
It's worth a shot, there may be some generic driver support for it now.
I hope so. :)
By the way, do you know how to replace my Ubuntu version?
 
fluidistic said:
I hope so. :)
By the way, do you know how to replace my Ubuntu version?

btw you could also get your ISP to replace your modem. The MT882 is over five years old. Burn the ISO to cd, reformat the drive and boot up the cd.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
btw you could also get your ISP to replace your modem. The MT882 is over five years old. Burn the ISO to cd, reformat the drive and boot up the cd.

I don't think they're willing to replace this modem. I have it since last year, this is the modem they are still sending to everyone using their brand. I might buy another one although I'm not sure which, but I prefer to stick with the one I have now.

About replacing my version, when you say "reformat the drive", I have to do it via Ubuntu? What if I boot up the CD first? From there, can I replace my version? I'll try... but I'm still at 14% of my downloading.
Thank you Greg for all!
 
  • #10
fluidistic said:
P.S.: I can't use the Ethernet cable.

Why can't you use ethernet?
 
  • #11
what said:
Why can't you use ethernet?
Believe it or not, but when I bought my computer (back in 2007), I used the ethernet cable. I had the blue screen of death appearing each 15 minutes or so. It was impossible to use my computer. After several months of sending it to the store I bought it, they suggested me to change my RAM memory. I did so, but the problem remained. They however never had the problem when using my computer, because they had used the USB port to use Internet. The technician told me it can be due to the ethernet cable because he tried everything on my computer and all went fine. I tried the USB port, and I never had this blue screen again.
So I wouldn't even try the ethernet cable for linux since I've a dual boot with Windows XP and I don't feel like changing cables each time I change of operating system.
 
  • #12
If the ethernet cable is bad then you can change it - it's only a few bucks.

If the ethernet port on the computer is bad, then your store should have given you a refund if under warranty, or installed a separate ethernet card which also costs only a few bucks - very very cheap.

There could be an issue with win XP, or something not configured correctly.
 
  • #13
what said:
If the ethernet cable is bad then you can change it - it's only a few bucks.

If the ethernet port on the computer is bad, then your store should have given you a refund if under warranty, or installed a separate ethernet card which also costs only a few bucks - very very cheap.

There could be an issue with win XP, or something not configured correctly.

I agree... but here it's not really easy to complain (Argentina). My microphone also doesn't work. It's the computer, not the ethernet cable.
 
  • #14
I've installed the new version but the problem still persists.
Tomorrow I'll try to search on the Internet if someone else has the same problem.
I welcome any other help though. Thank you guys!
 
  • #15
Your modem has a network interface you would be crazy to use the USB, the performance will be terrible and the drivers will be crap.
Just connect the network cable between the modem and your computer.

Or better still, get a router ($30 linksys) that will allow you to connect lot's of computers and mean you (mostly) don't have to worry about hacking attempts.
 
  • #16
mgb_phys said:
Your modem has a network interface you would be crazy to use the USB, the performance will be terrible and the drivers will be crap.
Just connect the network cable between the modem and your computer.

Or better still, get a router ($30 linksys) that will allow you to connect lot's of computers and mean you (mostly) don't have to worry about hacking attempts.

I just bought the ethernet cable (it seems I can't find the one I had) and I'm replying to you from Ubuntu! Incredible. I thank you all so much, you've helped me a lot!
However I don't know if Windows will be stable with the ethernet cable (nor Ubuntu in fact, since I use it since 4 minutes :) ).
I already had the blue screen of death even before trying the ethernet cable. It seems that when I partitioned the disk, Windows has lost some files. I got a message like : "the file /Windows/Prefetch/Flashgot.exe-2EB48ADD.pf " is damaged, please use Chkdsk.
(instead of the / lines, they should be reversed but I'm not used to this Ubuntu keyboard yet).
I'm so happy! Thanks! I hope not having problems with Windows now.
I'll try to see if internet works under XP...
 

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