[Software] [Solved] Obviously not an error, but a feature.

[ann_droid]

Hi

This has me stumped.



I need to do a re-install, because Debian (on an old HP laptop) failed to find/utilise any one of the 3 wi-fi adapters available, choosing to use a non-connected ethernet. Previous attempt failed to acknowledge any user (yep even root) even though via the emergency screen I could list root & myself as users, and add a new user to those already in place.

So after the re-install I hope to be happy.

So very Microsoft.

[Hallvor]

Have you tried following the instructions? Make sure that the installation media is OK. Install firmware post-install with isenkram.

[mrmazda]

Have you considered to use an ethernet cable to install, then configure wireless whilst every possible driver and firmware is readily available?

[ann_droid]

Hi

I have made some progress, but it still shows a tendency towards Redmond type behaviour.

Ethernet would be too easy.

It recognised a Wi-Pi and Zyxel usb adapters this time.

Weird behaviour, I installed from a USB and the repo for apt is a CDROM I don't have.

But still I hope for better later.

Thanks for the interest and suggestions.

[RedGreen925]

Weird behaviour, I installed from a USB and the repo for apt is a CDROM I don't have.

That is what you get when you do not answer yes to the question to set up the repositories for use with apt.

Here is an example of the new 8222 style method for telling apt what to use from my install notes when I converted them to it.

Code: Select all

apt (2.9.24) unstable; urgency=medium

  /etc/apt/trusted.gpg is no longer trusted. Setting the Dir::Etc::trusted
  option manually continues to work for some more time.

  sources.list(5) entries without the Signed-By field are deprecated;
  migrate any legacy entries to the deb822 .sources format. See the
  apt-secure(7) manual page for best practices for signer configuration.
  This deprecates the /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d directory.

 -- Julian Andres Klode <jak@debian.org>  Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:17:36 +0100

First up the debian.sources file on 8500t machine.

root@8500t:~# nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.sources
root@8500t:~# cat /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.sources
## Debian 13 Trixie
## The new style method of using repositories to install software.
## This /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.sources is new style and location file
## The /etc/apt/sources.list.old.style contains the same as this.
## https://linuxconfig.org/ubuntus-repository-configuration-ubuntu-sources-have-moved-to-etc-apt-sources-list-d-ubuntu-sources

## Normal trixie sources
Types: deb
URIs: http://ftp.ca.debian.org/debian/
Suites: trixie
Components: main non-free contrib non-free-firmware
Enabled: yes
Signed-By: /usr/share/keyrings/debian-archive-keyring.gpg

## trixie security sources
Types: deb
URIs: http://security.debian.org/debian-security
Suites: trixie-security
Components: main non-free contrib non-free-firmware
Enabled: yes
Signed-By: /usr/share/keyrings/debian-archive-keyring.gpg

Change the trixie to stable in the file you create if using it on the Debian 12, the trixie is the up coming release I am running to get the newer software I want to use. Make sure the gpg key is in the /usr/share/keyrings/debian-archive-keyring.gpg location and the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.sources is in that location with the .sources for the ending. Since you have nothing in the existing sources.list but the cdrom that thing does not really matter but may as well do a cp /etc/apt/sources.list /etc/apt/sources.list.old.style to disable it from being used. All commands run as root in a terminal or using sudo in front of them if using that method. I do not think there have been any changes to the archive layout between the 12 and upcoming 13 to make those wrong but if so just change them to reflect those needed for them, the .sources has been enabled for a long time but is only recently being recommended for use, on the 25th of last month to be precise, when that changed apt package news file let me know of it. Oh and now I read it over change the ftp.ca part to deb to be using the default method for the load balancing servers in use not your local mirror like I use.

[ann_droid]

Hi

Thanks.

Tried the isenkram and it stated no new firmware added.

Ran the ubuntu forums wireless-info script and that highlighted a coupla errors.

Removed the ZyXEL usb and all was well.

Added half a dozen proper repo names and addresses. So dist-upgrade worked.

Tidied up and removed the Wi-Pi usb and on reboot here I am.

So this old 15 inch HP runs W10 appallingly, Mint quite nicely and Debian really smoothly.

Thanks again for the support and interest.

NOW SOLVED.

ps

""That is what you get when you do not answer yes to the question to set up the repositories for use with apt.""

Wasn't asked, and I expected /etc/apt/resources.list to already be populated.

But since for all three of the install attempts there was no network connection or repos available.

Weirdly there was a point in this final install where it seemed like the Wi-Pi was actually updating some packages on the fly.
But of course it could not have as the the 4 mirrors in the UK I tried failed.

Still in the 20 odd years I been installing/using live assorted debian's this ranks top of the pile for WEIRD.

[RedGreen925]

""That is what you get when you do not answer yes to the question to set up the repositories for use with apt.""

Wasn't asked, and I expected /etc/apt/resources.list to already be populated.

But since for all three of the install attempts there was no network connection or repos available.

Still in the 20 odd years I been installing/using live assorted debian's this ranks top of the pile for WEIRD.

Yeah good point I missed with no network connection there would be no need to setup online repositories as the installer would assume you want to be offline using the install cdrom/dvd as the source of your packages. Ain't computers fun little things, just when you think you got it all sorted out it throws a curve ball at ya. Oh and I think there is button you can press to mark as solved, either that or edit the title to put it there. I do not know which I never ask questions, I somehow muddle around and find the solution to any problems I have in the many many pages of search results I will read and searches I will do. Good to read you got it sorted BTW, happy computing from this point on.