MBP on Xubuntu/Ubuntu Hardy Heron WiFi Card Fix

Since I promised to keep everyone updated on my little Xubuntu on Macbook Pro adventure, I'm happy to tell you all that my WiFi card is now properly working. How did I do it? Just follow these very simple steps.

Note: The fix has only been tested on 4th gen. Macbook Pro with Penryn Processor and only in Xubuntu/Ubuntu "Hardy Heron" 32 bit.

1. Using Synaptic Package Manager (I assume you have Internet access via Ethernet cable/wire), install the following packages:

unrar
ndiswrapper-common
ndiswrapper-utils

2. Insert OS X Leopard installer DVD (disk 1) and find "broadcomxpinstaller.exe" in bootcamp/drivers folder, then copy and paste "broadcomxpinstaller.exe" to your home directory.

3. Open a terminal, then type this command:

unrar x broadcomxpinstaller.exe

4. Install broadcom wireless driver using this command:

sudo ndiswrapper -i bcmwl5.inf sudo ndiswrapper -l sudo ndiswrapper -m sudo modprobe ndiswrapper

5. Setting ndiswrapper to auto load at boot time:

First, open "/etc/modules" on a text editor (use gedit instead of mousepad in Ubuntu) with this command:

sudo mousepad /etc/modules

Then, add:

ndiswrapper

at the last line and then save and close the file.

6. Creating file /etc/init.d/ndiswrapper:

sudo gedit /etc/init.d/ndiswrapper

Add the ff. text below, then save and close the file.

#! /bin/sh
### BEGIN INIT INFO
# Provides: ndiswrapper
# Required-Start:
# Required-Stop:
# Default-Start: S
# Default-Stop:
# Short-Description: enable to load ndiswrapper
# Description: enable to load ndiswrapper
### END INIT INFO
rmmod ohci_hcd
rmmod ssb
rmmod ndiswrapper
modprobe ndiswrapper
modprobe ssb
modprobe ohci_hcd

7. Set file access permissions using this command:

sudo chmod 755 /etc/init.d/ndiswrapper

8. Create a symbolic link call S99ndiswrapper in the folder /etc/rc2.d from /etc/init.d/ndiswrapper using this command:

sudo ln -s /etc/init.d/ndiswrapper /etc/rc2.d/S99ndiswrapper

9. You are done! Unplug the Ethernet wire then reboot to test your WiFi connection.


I hope that helps. Feel free to comment if you need some clarifications:

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To do next:
Fix keyboard special key functions and backlight.
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