Can Ubuntu ignore the Wireless Hardware Switch?

Question

This is not the same question as many others have asked. I have a perfectly functioning wireless card and switch on my HP Pavilion dv6910, running Ubuntu 12.04.

Unfortunately, the placement of this switch causes me to hit it when the notebook is sitting on my lap.

I'm looking to disable the switch's functionality to prevent disabling the wireless. Is this possible?

Is this a _button_ or a _switch_? Most HP laptops have buttons, most Dells switchs. — Seth, Jan 27 '13 at 18:35
`xmodmap -pke` output: [http://pastebin.com/rXy4LCdi](http://pastebin.com/rXy4LCdi) — renwique, Jan 27 '13 at 18:41
Can you try running `xmodmap -e clear XF86WLAN NoSymbol XF86WLAN`? This is really, really, far fetched but it might work. — Seth, Jan 27 '13 at 19:31

score 2 · Answer 1 · edited Jan 27 '13 at 20:30

2

Check your BIOS. HP has some HP-only features in the BIOS. In the Built-In Device Configuration menu there should be an option LAN/WLAN-Switching. You should be able to disable it there. (it has been a while since I had a HP so if this is not correct please comment ;) )

edited Jan 27 '13 at 20:30

Seth

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answered Jan 27 '13 at 18:41

Rinzwind

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Not sure about this one, but I'll check and get back to you. If at all possible, I'm wondering if this can be done in software, so I can easily remove the "block" without rebooting. – renwique Jan 27 '13 at 18:46
1

Nope those kill switches are hardware linked and the OS has no control over it. You can turn in on or off but not disabled it (so you would still turn it of when hitting it accidently). – Rinzwind Jan 27 '13 at 18:52

Can Ubuntu ignore the Wireless Hardware Switch?

1 Answers1