Problems with Dell Wireless hardware switch

[Scoon]

Hi,

I have tried searching the forums, and have seen similar topics but cannot find an answer. Please feel free to link to one if it exists.

Basically I am using a Dell Studio 1555 laptop, but have the same problem on my Dell Inspiron mini. Essentially it is possible to disable the wireless using the software or by using the Dell multimedia key (Fn + F2), however the problem is that in linux you can't re-enable it.

On the Inspiron mini I can reboot into windows and re-enable it but I would like to try and find a solution for the Studio which is only running linux.

If it is possible, I would like to find out how to do one of the following (in order of preference):

1. Make linux able to renable the wifi
2. Make Linux ignore the Fn + F2 key combo
3. Disable all the dell multimedia keys

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Scoon]

I have been continuing my search but no luck yet. Any suggestions?

[Matt267]

I'm having a similar problem with my Dell Mini 1018. Once I disable wireless via software in LMDE UP4, I can't re-enable it. I have to boot LMDE using an older kernel which seems to unlock it. The strange thing is that once it's locked, it stays locked even when I boot to a live USB or Mint 10. The only way I can unlock it is to boot to the older kernel.

[Scoon]

Doing research, it appears to be a common problem with Dells. I have no idea if anyone's working on it or not. It'd be really nice to know if there was a workaround other than booting into windows though.

[Matt267]

Scoon,

Booting to an older kernel (.32) turns it back on for me. If I "disable networking" it'll disconnect me from the wireless network without locking the wireless card. If I"m running on battery power and I don't need the wireless, then I'll turn the wireless card off in the bios which give me a better powersavings.

Matt