The Realtek 8192cu Driver Not Compiling: A Guide to Overcoming the Issue

If you're trying to set up Wi-Fi connectivity on your Raspberry Pi using a module like the Edimax EW-7811Un, you may encounter an issue with the stock rtl8192cu.ko module not compiling. This problem can be frustrating, especially if you've tried various solutions without success. In this article, we'll explore ways to prevent the stock module from loading and provide a step-by-step guide on how to compile the driver manually.

Preventing the Stock Module from Loading

Before you start compiling the driver, it's essential to prevent the stock rtl8192cu.ko module from being loaded. This can be done by moving the file to a different location. To do this, open your terminal and run the following command:

Sudo mv 8192cu.ko /lib/modules/`uname -r`/kernel/drivers/net/wireless

This will move the stock module to a directory where it won't interfere with your manual compilation.

Compiling the Driver Manually

To compile the driver manually, you'll need a freshly built kernel lying around. Additionally, make sure you have the appropriate compiler for the module installed on your system. To start the compilation process, follow these steps:

1. Set the ARCH and CROSS_COMPILE variables by running the following commands:

ARCH=arm

CROSS_COMPILE=/usr/bin/arm-linux-gnueabihf-

2. Specify the path to the build directory of your kernel using the PATH_TO_BUILD_SUBDIR_OF_YOUR_KERNEL variable.

3. Run the command make M=DIRECTORY_WHERE_THE_DRIVER_LIVES modules. This will compile the driver module.

4. Open the include/autoconf.h file in your favorite editor and change the last section of the file to remove any debugging options. This is crucial for ensuring that the driver compiles correctly.

5. Once you've made the necessary changes, save the file and try compiling the driver again using the same command as before: make M=DIRECTORY_WHERE_THE_DRIVER_LIVES modules.

Tips and Variations

If you're still experiencing issues with the driver not compiling, there are a few things you can try:

* Deactivate any debugging options that may be enabled. This can help reduce the complexity of the compilation process.

* Check the include/autoconf.h file for any errors or inconsistencies. Make sure it's properly formatted and free of typos.

Compiling the Realtek 8192cu driver manually requires some technical expertise, but with these steps, you should be able to overcome the issue and get your Wi-Fi module up and running on your Raspberry Pi. Remember to prevent the stock module from loading before starting the compilation process, and make sure you have a freshly built kernel lying around. With patience and persistence, you'll be enjoying wireless connectivity in no time.

Realtek 8192cu driver not compiling