Thinkpads Forum

I've got a Thinkpad T60 that I'm trying to configure with Open SuSE 10.1, but I've run into a few problems. I can't get the ethernet and wireless to work. Video (an ATI X1400 128MB) does work using standard drivers but the resolution is limited - but one problem at a time.

The most pressing concern is getting the ethernet going. However, the problem itself is odd. I downloaded the Open SuSE min-disc install that uses a net connection to download all the required packages to install the system, yet when I reboot, I have a non-functioning ethernet card. I noticed someone had this problem installing 10.1 on a T40: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... light=suse

I also found a thread on enabling ethernet on a T60 here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=23577 but I'm confused by the solution. It says add "alias eth0 e1000" to etc/modprobe.conf, but doesn't say where in that file to add that line of code.

When I go into YaST to look at my network card configuration that card is listed and the driver it is using is "e1000." Sometimes after going through the network card configuration and it restarting net services, I'll get a box that says "Connected to a wired network" but if I open a web browser I can't get anywhere. I just sit there "connecting" to a site forever.

Any help on this problem would be much appreciated.

jasonjpl wrote:I

I also found a thread on enabling ethernet on a T60 here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=23577 but I'm confused by the solution. It says add "alias eth0 e1000" to etc/modprobe.conf, but doesn't say where in that file to add that line of code.

First off, I'm not all that familiar with SuSE as I haven't used that in a while ... more of a gentoo type.

You're on the right track there though ....

To add that line you mentioned that you found, open a console/terminal, type "su -" (without the quotes) to enter into root, then type your root password when prompted. Now you're in root mode. Then type "nano -w /etc/modprobe.conf" (again, without the quotes) and add that line "alias eth0 e1000" anywhere ... at the top of the file if you wish, as long as it's present in that file. Press ctrl-c and "y" to save the changes in the file and reboot.

If you're really pressed and want to use your ethernet connection before rebooting, you could just do (as root)
# modprobe e1000
(the # sign is the prompt in a console/terminal - just type the command following the #)

and to check if the module was loaded type:
# lsmod
and look for e1000.

If it's there and you're on broadband (DSL or cable) type "dhclient eth0" to get an ip...

icantux, I followed your instructions but am still running into a problem. I added "alias eth0 e1000" to /etc/modprobe.conf, saved the file and then did

# modprobe e1000

I then checked to see if the module loaded by running

# lsmod

and found "e1000" was running.

I also ran "dhclient eth0" since I have a DSL connection to make sure DHCP was working correctly and it was.

However, now I have a new weird error. I loaded up firefox and it went to the Novell home page. I thought to myself "Success!" but as soon as I tried to go to any other page (yahoo.com, digg.com, ati.com, etc.) the connection timed out.

The box on the lower right still said I was connected to my wired connection and the module loaded, I just can't seem to do anything with my connection. I'm not sure where to go from here. The network card configurator does give me the option of loading other modules, but I don't know if that would help in my scenario.

Thanks.

jasonjpl wrote:When I go into YaST to look at my network card configuration that card is listed and the driver it is using is "e1000." Sometimes after going through the network card configuration and it restarting net services, I'll get a box that says "Connected to a wired network" but if I open a web browser I can't get anywhere. I just sit there "connecting" to a site forever..

Ok, so you are not using NetworkManager to control the ethernet connections. Try going into Yast and deleting your network devices. Then restart Yast and they will magically re-appear. Now select the wired network device and do a "Configure" (or maybe it is "Edit" .. sorry I can't check as I'm booted into Kubuntu at this sec.). Setup for DHCP or fixed IP (whichever is appropriate for you). Hopefully it will "do the right thing" and you will be good to go.

You can also install NetworkManager (and Knetworkmanager) and use that mode (which is how I now use SuSE 10.1 on this T60p).

Btw I've also installed the ATI fglrx drivers for the v5200 on this T60p. That works great, but I've no idea whether the X1400 is supported by their driver or not.

"However, now I have a new weird error. I loaded up firefox and it went to the Novell home page. I thought to myself "Success!" but as soon as I tried to go to any other page (yahoo.com, digg.com, ati.com, etc.) the connection timed out."

Sounds like a DNS issue to me; which would be solved by NightStorm's recommendation. I'd be curious to know if your problem was resolved.

install the ipw-regulatory-daemon, you should get full functionality out of your 3945ABG once that is complete.

Also, check out the howto I'm currently killing time on....

http://www.cryptosecurity.net/Suse_T60_DRAFT.htm

Cheers,

X