http://archux.com/page/setting-wireless-networking
You might try unplugging/switching off the the wireless, or powering off the notebook, and starting with Mint first, instead of XP
I checked the link you gave, it says that apt-get install backports jaunty for a user didn't work ; so it wasn't necessary a reliable suggestion
http://tjmcgrew.com/
--a better description
- So I installed Ubuntu on the laptop, wiping XP. I ran apt-get install linux-backports-modules-jaunty, rebooted, and presto, it detected my wireless card. All was well, or so I thought. ... I noticed the wifi light on the front of the machine was not lit. The card must not be enabled.
- inxi -N
--check network card
inxi -F
--short list of all hardware
inxi -h
--help options for inxi command
ifconfig
--is the network UP
iwlist scanning
--any wireless networks sjowing
iwconfig
--status of wireless card (nic)