WiFi only works with -f flag

snifferpro · #1 04-21-2009, 09:54 PM

I have ipc distro installed and working with one exception.

If I boot normally, my WIFI does not work. If I use the
-f switch after f8 Wifi works fine.

I'm guessing that a kext for the Ralink wifi is not loading on a
normal start but is loading with the -f switch.

Is there a way I can make the appropriate kext load without the
-f switch?

I'm a noob so be gentle please and provide detailed info if you can.

One other issue is that my disk icos are orange when using -f but
all drives function ok. If I boot wothout -f, drive icons are standard
mac icons. Any clues on this?

My config
Asus P5Q3 Deluxe WiFI @N
4g Gskill memory
2 Sata hard drives
2 sata dvd drives
EVGA 9800GT 512 MB Video card
Marvel Lan adapters
Ralink WiFi
Sound - Integrated Soundmax Sound not working)
Logitech Quickcall Speakerphone (Sound does appear to work)

Thanks

Taisto · #2 04-21-2009, 09:57 PM

Yes, you can load the kext manually by opening terminal, browsing to Extensions folder and typing "sudo kextload [name of the kext] -v", it should load and work - but i dont know if it will work with kexts for hardware, give it a try.

And about the icons, during the installation of iPC - there`s a fix for orange icons, but if it happens only with -f i guess you can skip that.

naquaada · #3 04-21-2009, 10:08 PM

You also could add the -f flag to your com.apple.boot.plist, but it's not the best solution.

Dies · #4 04-22-2009, 03:49 PM

Try forcing it to generate a new .mkext and caches. Boot using the '-s' flag, then follow the instructions to check your filesystem, afterwards delete current caches and .mkext and immediately reboot

Code:

cd /System/Library
rm -rf Caches Extensions.mkext Extensions/Caches
reboot

As always careful with rm and double check what you type.

naquaada · #5 04-22-2009, 04:43 PM

-f recreates the Extensions.mkext file.

Dies · #6 04-22-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naquaada

-f recreates the Extensions.mkext file.

hmm...

well then the only other thing he can do is recreate it himself once the machine is up and running and the kext in question is loaded

Code:

cd /System/Library
sudo kextcache -a i386 -m Extensions.mkext Extensions/

But really all that does is the same thing... so

I guess he's screwed...

milanca · #7 04-23-2009, 01:08 AM

or

Code:

sudo rm -rf /System/Library/Extensions.*
sudo kextcache -k /System/Library/Extensions/

I hope you'll fix it soon. Don't get confused by all these shell commands we posted, they are all ways to recreate extensions caches for booting so you dont have to force it each time you boot.

You can fix permissions from disk utility also.

cmdshft · #8 04-23-2009, 01:32 AM

I have the same issue with my RT2500USB adapter, the only fix I've found so far is adding -f to the kernel flags. Doesn't really hurt except give a slightly longer boot time, otherwise everything works fine. I don't really mind it, it's only an extra 2 or 3 seconds for me.

snifferpro · #9 04-25-2009, 08:15 PM

I finally got my wifi to work without the use of the -f flag.

Solution was as follows:

Reinstall ipc 10.5.6.
Selected only Nvidia Geforce 9800GTX NVInject only for my 9800GT
Selected Marvel Yukon 88E8056 for onboard network
Installed Ralink drivers which I downloaded from Ralink.com
(http://www.ralinktech.com/ralink/Hom...Macintosh.html)
After boot Ralink wireless utility came up and displayed available
SSID's. Chose mine, clicked on Connect and network started.
Immediately rebooted and upon reboot, wireless utility comes up to
allow you to select and connect.

I have a Ralink 2870, but there are drivers there for other Ralink devices.

I also got rid of my orange disk icons and now have standard MAC disk
icons. If anyone is interested, I will post a link for the kexts I downloaded
and the instructions to install them.

Only issue left is Time Machine keeps telling me
"The built in Network interface could not be found"
Still looking for a fix for this one.

Any help appreciated.

blackwalker · #10 06-30-2009, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snifferpro

I finally got my wifi to work without the use of the -f flag.

Solution was as follows:

Reinstall ipc 10.5.6.
Selected only Nvidia Geforce 9800GTX NVInject only for my 9800GT
Selected Marvel Yukon 88E8056 for onboard network
Installed Ralink drivers which I downloaded from Ralink.com
(http://www.ralinktech.com/ralink/Hom...Macintosh.html)
After boot Ralink wireless utility came up and displayed available
SSID's. Chose mine, clicked on Connect and network started.
Immediately rebooted and upon reboot, wireless utility comes up to
allow you to select and connect.

I have a Ralink 2870, but there are drivers there for other Ralink devices.

I also got rid of my orange disk icons and now have standard MAC disk
icons. If anyone is interested, I will post a link for the kexts I downloaded
and the instructions to install them.

Only issue left is Time Machine keeps telling me
"The built in Network interface could not be found"
Still looking for a fix for this one.

Any help appreciated.

hi snifferpro and hi all!
New on this forum!

(PS: Sorry for my english, hope its fine!)

I have your same motherboard: "Asus P5Q3 Deluxe WiFI @N"
i installed the IPC version, all work fine except the wirless...

I downloaded and installed the driver from the Ralink site.
Installed ad reboot.
When i open the Wirless panel it dont allow me to add any profile, so i reboot
with "-v -f" flag, after that i could add a profile, but looks like dont work....

i mean, i create several profile for the wirless, then :

- when i try, for example, with my smartphone htc hd to search for a wriless line i didnt find it!
- if i try to find an active wirless line around me, and there is some active cause i found
them with my smartphone, it didnt find any wirless line!

can you pls tell me what i have to do?
or
someone can tell me how i can check, how i can see, if my wirless is working or no?
(maybe i do not set it correctly)

thx!