> > If not, then your modem hardware driver is not working properly and no > > data is exchanged over the link with your ISP. > > Looks like it's probably the driver then. I'm used to rebuilding kernels on > Gentoo but haven't done anything like this with Kubuntu. Is it worth the > effort or is an external modem the simplest solution?
An external modem is the simplest and most futureproof solution. Secondhand externals go for less than a new internal. If you want to make the software work because buying new hardware is against the grain, do not recompile the kernel. Just recompile the ltmodem driver. Note you must have the kernel sources installed though! You should not need to config the kernel. If you do, specifically /usr/src/linux/.config must be identical to the one used to make the distro kernel. Then only run make oldconfig. Do not run make clean or make mrproper. You can then compile ltmodem in a suitable place and replace the one or two *.ko files with the ones compiled. This procedure will help if and only if the ltmodem source you're compiling is newer than the one you have, and fixes the problem(s) with your particular lucent chip. Lucent chips used to always work; now there are too many varieties and some are said to not work. If the box in question is 2 years old or more, your chances with that modem card are very low, but do try another live boot CD. A different distro isn't likely to help you. You're having a kernel issue with a specific piece of hardware. Distros only differ by kernel in: * kernel version - newer supports more bleeding-edge hardware * accidental bugs * patches, fixes, improvements applied by the distro vendor Case 2 will help you only as a side effect, case 3 only if the vendor applied something deliberately which pertains to your exact chip. > Yes it is inet.net.nz. I phoned them this afternoon and the guy on the help > desk suggested I try tomorrow afternoon when there should be someone there > who knows about Linux. Can you please remember to post (or email me privately) whether this ISP needs the stupid mode in wvdial turned on? Please confirm your setp is actually using wvdial, then try with both stupid setting and let me know the result. I'm compiling an NZ ISP file with their specifics already filled in. Thanks. Volker -- Volker Kuhlmann is list0570 with the domain in header http://volker.dnsalias.net/ Please do not CC list postings to me.
