I have a Surface Go tablet that I switched over to Linux a while back, and just came across a problem that I don’t know how to approach. I use an iDataLink Maestro module in my car to make an aftermarket stereo do what I want it to do. I want to check for a firmware update on it, but the management software tool is windows or mac only.

So I installed WINE and the PlayonLinux front end. I successfully installed the tool (Weblink) but the keyboard doesn’t work so I can’t log into it. The trackpad works though, and this is a directly connected keyboard/trackpad, so for one to work but not the other seems weird. I can find threads about non-functional keyboards with some games, but I honestly don’t understand the guidance being dished out.

How can I troubleshoot and fix this keyboard issue?

  • rtxn@lemmy.worldEnglish
    12·
    14 days ago

    You’ll have to use a virtual machine and pass through the USB device.

    You’ll have to install QEMU (ideally qemu-desktop since you’ll only need the x86 VM), libvirt, and virt-manager. Start the libvirtd service (enables the management interface), then run virsh net-start default as root (enables networking). Create and install a Windows virtual machine in the Virtual Machine Manager application. I recommend Windows 10 or earlier because 11 needs extra steps. Once the VM is running, open the Virtual Machine menu, click on “Redirect USB Device”, then choose the device you want to configure. It will be detached from the host OS and passed through directly to the guest.

    • Kraven_the_Hunter@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
      3·
      14 days ago

      Excellent, thanks! There was a thread the other day where someone posted instructions on a lighter weight IoT version of Win10 that doesn’t have much bloat. I think I’ll try that one.

      • taaz@biglemmowski.winEnglish
        2·
        14 days ago

        There is also Tiny11 iso flying around somewhere which is a lot smaller and less resource heavy then usual windows vm.