Trying to install Creatix modem ( Intel MD563X / MD5628D-L-A chip )
Posts: 13
Hi All,
I am totally new to linux and Mepis is my first install. Everything seems to work ok except my modem. I have read various threads here on the forum and done some experimenting but without any luck. The modem I use is a Creatix modem ( Intel MD563X / MD5628D-L-A chip). I found this page where a guy have seemed to get the modem working on linux on a identical computer: [url]http://rguerin.free.fr/medion/
I downloaded the Intel driver, Intel-v92ham-453.tgz. Unpacked and read the readme and tried to follow it. But when it comes to the "make ham" stage the program searches for the kernel files in the wrong place. I tried to move some sourcefiles to the expected place and experimeted a bit but the only thing I got was error and unsupported kernel version..it says in the readme its been made for kernel 2.4.4 and I am running Mepis 3,4,3 with kernel 2.6.15.1...does that mean it is impossible to make it work? Or how do I make it work? Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful...
downgrading...
Posts: 13
I was thinking to install a 2.4.X kernel. The problem is that I dont have a clue how to do it. I have read the readme for upgrading and it seems like a process. And I havent found any basic howtos or tutorials on the net either. The problem is that I'm so new to linux so I basicly just know a couple of commands. And if I downgrade my kernal..will I have problems with other programs (openoffice, kde etc)?
If it fairly simple to downgrade can anyone give me the exact text I need to type to make it happen, plz.
Since this modem is in a laptop I really want an internal solution.
This problem is starting to effect my sanity yes...
start again
Posts: 4864
back up the laptop data and install mepis again - pick one which has an option for installing a 2.4 kernel (identified on the livecd grub as 'older computer'.
did a new start...
Posts: 13
Thanks for the advice...I think I need a bit more guidiance though
Did a reinstall with my Mepis 3.4.3 CD.
When I start from CD i get following boot options:
Boot Normal (best for new systems)
Boot Vesa (try if display problem)
Boot Minimum (try for older system)
Boot Small (try for very old display)
Memtest (test system memory)
I choosed the Minimum, the computer booted up and I used the install me shortcut on the desktop and I choosed clean install...but I never got asked which kernel i wanted...and when the install was finished I had the same one as before (2.6.15-1 i think).
I have looked at installing an old Mepis version 3.0...but the kernel is still too new. I need max 2.4.18.
Are there some install options i missed in 3.4.3 that will let me choose an old kernel or sth? 
Downloaded Mepis 3.3.1-1
Posts: 13
Downloaded Mepis 3.3.1-1 and found the boot menu you mentioned. The problem is that the older system kernel is 2.4.29. And the intel driver only has support to 2.4.18. 
Downloaded Mepis 3.3.1-1
Posts: 2280
Kinda courious Mikke did you try 3.3.1-1 to see if it would work ? Thats one of my favs and theres two kernels .
jim
The modem should work...if I had an old kernel...but...
Posts: 13
Didn't install it since the two two kerneloptions was eiter a 2.6 sth and the oldest one was 2.4.29. And the driver says it only supports to 2.4.18. And the oldest Mepis as I understand it start with a 2.4.20 kernel (dont know about old computer modes though).
But yea..maybe it could work anyway...I haven't tried though...I just installed windows back on the computer . Currently looking for some distros that may support it but it doesnt look promising so far.
Maybe I should do a test with the 3.3.1-1 in old mode anyway...
Yes I'm gonna give it a try...out with windows again 
...
I keep u posted if it works or not.
The modem should work..
Posts: 2280
Possibly Warren included it in 3.3.1-1 , you dont have to install it to see if it works . Fire it up as demo live just for the halabit , you never know ! I would try both kernels too that ver. worked pretty good with both.
jim
My laptop didnt like it at all..
Posts: 13
Installed 3.3.1-1 on the medion. But then when I plugged in my SD-card through usb it didnt work (worked on 3.4.3)...so i tried to burn down the modem driver on a cd instead but the CD player wasnt too happy either. It didnt want to eject or read...So I can't really get the driver on the comp (dont have any network to connect either) So as it looks now I will probably give up my Mepis dreams on that computer ..I was thinking of maybe trying SUSE 10.1...I dont know if they have better internal modem support.
Otherwise it's back to M$...
No luck with OOTB modem support in SUSE 10.1
Posts: 13
Doesn't look like there is any easy, newbie friendly way to get the modem working. So it's back to MS...it's a pity...i really liked mepis.
sourcefiles
Posts: 4864
it's usual to symlink the files to /usr/src/linux
if the driver is intended for a 2.4 kernel it may need substantial work to make it happen with a 2.6 kernel.
i would still give it a try.
if this is a pci modem buying another on ebay may be better on your sanity.