How can I install and download drivers without internet?
I have recently installed ubuntu 12.04 LTS, but as in previous versions; I need a driver for wireless. When booting from USB, I could download and install the Broadcom Wireless STA driver: now I can't (note: this was from my house and I am moving and the internet in my hotel has additional logon information - might be the problem?). The ethernet cable on my laptop never worked, so that's not an option. When I open additional drivers, it will say can't detect drivers; need internet access.
Summary:
- Need wireless driver
- Wifi is available; logon information IN BROWSER required.
- No ethernet
Late to the party, but could be of use to someone. If you still have the Live USB from which you installed the OS, insert the flash drive (if it doesn't automount, open the Disks utility and mount it from there). Once it's mounted, open the terminal and go:
sudo dpkg -i /media/username/volname/pool/main/d/dkms/dkms_*.deb
sudo dpkg -i /media/username/volname/pool/restricted/b/bcmwl/bcmwl-kernel-source_*.deb
replace username and volname with your username and the USB volume label, respectively. after the install completes, reboot.
This folder structure is based on 15.04, should be similar in older versions.
If the terminal comes out with an error, open the file explorer and go to your Live USB. Then go the the same directory as above:
/media/username/volname/pool/main/d/dkms/
And
/media/username/volname/pool/restricted/b/bcmwl/
And click on the file in each directory. It will bring up Software Center. Install or reinstall both files.
You can manually download any ubuntu package from http://packages.ubuntu.com, copy them to the linux drive, then use dpkg to install them. Packages.ubuntu.com also lists dependencies, so you should be able to find and download any that are missing.
The "restricted hardware drivers tool" uses the following package for broadcom wireless:
http://packages.ubuntu.com/maverick/bcmwl-kernel-source
(alter the URL to use lucid if needed for a 10.04 installation)
That package doesn't have much for dependencies, and it should be installable by doing:
sudo dpkg --install /path/to/bcmwl-kernel-source
dpkg won't try grabbing any dependencies for you, so you will need to make sure they are installed using this same method first.