Ubuntu – How to install and download drivers without internet

wireless

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

Best Answer

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.

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