Linux Mint 13 MAYA installation with B43 firmware
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:03 pm
I was trying to install Maya MATE 32-BIT on a Compaq Presario M2010US currently running Mint 11. The live DVD boots fine. I begin the install and select language and confirm drive space, power source, and Internet Connection. However, when I click Continue I get a debug screen:
[ 1693.891753] Bug: Unable to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference at 00000140
Followed by additional debug information. I have a Broadcom B43 wireless adapter on board. I have read the bug information and I suspected this might be the issue for the kernel panic. I'm not an advanced Linux user, so I did not understand the workarounds listed in the release notes, as the release notes seem to indicate Maya will not boot at all, but I was able to load live DVD no problem, and one solution is to install and the hard drive... I did not know how to boot in compatibility mode, modify boot options, modify grub or install B43 firmware when installing from a live DVD! This machine does not support boot from USB. I REALLY wanted to load this LTS! Here is how I fixed it, I hope it will help others:
First, for a good background on B43 and Linux drivers I would refer you to http://linuxwireless.org/en/users/Drivers/b43 I was able to use the code for the Ubuntu/Debian to install the driver:
sudo apt-get install firmware-b43-installer
Next, let me introduce you to Mintconstructor: http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/918
This link is a tutorial on how to create an install .iso for CDs if your computer does not support DVD. However, it can also be used to install the B43 firmware on the .iso! Simply follow the instructions in the tutorial (I used LinuxMint 11 that I currently had installed on my computer to do this) When you open the chroot terminal simply install the driver (this terminal is already root so you omit sudo). You may install/uninstall other software to further customize your installation if desired (I added chromium-browser) Follow the remaining steps to clean up and create a description (beware, there apparently is a limited length for the description so keep it short or it will fail).
Once the .iso is created, burn to DVD (or CD if you uninstalled enough programs to reduce the size to fit CD). After burning boot the live DVD!
Once your live DVD has booted, connect to your wireless network entering any required security keys. Ensure you have power connected and sufficient disk space and launch the Install and continue as normal. I was pleasantly surprised that after install was complete and I restarted into the installed version on the hard drive my wireless was already configured and connected automatically!
I'm writing this post from my Maya installation using a wireless connection! I have now successfully upgraded my netbook from Isadora and installed Cinnamon on my other laptop. Next stop, I need to make a CD version for one of my older desktops. So far I'm loving Maya! I hope this helps others out. Good Luck and happy computing! If a neophyte like me can do it I know you can too!
[ 1693.891753] Bug: Unable to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference at 00000140
Followed by additional debug information. I have a Broadcom B43 wireless adapter on board. I have read the bug information and I suspected this might be the issue for the kernel panic. I'm not an advanced Linux user, so I did not understand the workarounds listed in the release notes, as the release notes seem to indicate Maya will not boot at all, but I was able to load live DVD no problem, and one solution is to install and the hard drive... I did not know how to boot in compatibility mode, modify boot options, modify grub or install B43 firmware when installing from a live DVD! This machine does not support boot from USB. I REALLY wanted to load this LTS! Here is how I fixed it, I hope it will help others:
First, for a good background on B43 and Linux drivers I would refer you to http://linuxwireless.org/en/users/Drivers/b43 I was able to use the code for the Ubuntu/Debian to install the driver:
sudo apt-get install firmware-b43-installer
Next, let me introduce you to Mintconstructor: http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/918
This link is a tutorial on how to create an install .iso for CDs if your computer does not support DVD. However, it can also be used to install the B43 firmware on the .iso! Simply follow the instructions in the tutorial (I used LinuxMint 11 that I currently had installed on my computer to do this) When you open the chroot terminal simply install the driver (this terminal is already root so you omit sudo). You may install/uninstall other software to further customize your installation if desired (I added chromium-browser) Follow the remaining steps to clean up and create a description (beware, there apparently is a limited length for the description so keep it short or it will fail).
Once the .iso is created, burn to DVD (or CD if you uninstalled enough programs to reduce the size to fit CD). After burning boot the live DVD!
Once your live DVD has booted, connect to your wireless network entering any required security keys. Ensure you have power connected and sufficient disk space and launch the Install and continue as normal. I was pleasantly surprised that after install was complete and I restarted into the installed version on the hard drive my wireless was already configured and connected automatically!
I'm writing this post from my Maya installation using a wireless connection! I have now successfully upgraded my netbook from Isadora and installed Cinnamon on my other laptop. Next stop, I need to make a CD version for one of my older desktops. So far I'm loving Maya! I hope this helps others out. Good Luck and happy computing! If a neophyte like me can do it I know you can too!