> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chris Bier
> Brian,
> ~    Are you sure it's the NIC that's not working?  Have you changed
> anything recently?  Did you try loading the yenta_socket driver?
> ~    I never use the stock kernel with any distro.  I always build my
> own.  If it's a problem with the kernel driver, why on earth did you
> reinstall the OS?
> 
Sorry about the confusion.
Timeline of my experience with debian and NICs.
1) old original NIC which worked with no trouble (3com with IBM
   label) failed.
2) purchased dlink dfe690, and installed. Tried to load 8139* drivers
   but got errors. Link light indicates 100MB, but no driver loaded. No
   eth0 device exists.
3) Compiled *very old* custom driver on CD. Many failed attempts.
4) Boot from Knoppix, card recognized and all drivers load. Netwroking.
5) Download 2.4.20 source from debian site and save on disk.
6) compile source and try to load yenta, yenta_socket. kernel complains
   about different kernel versions 2.4.20 verses 2.4.20bf. scratches    
   head.
6a) force load of yenta_socket. fails for unresolved symbols.
7) fsck it! Installs knoppix. No X. Notices Knoppix is also doing strange
   things when trying to access hda.
8) Drinks rum and cough syrup goes to bed.

Apparently, between kerenl version 2.4.18 and 2.4.22 the yenta and yenta_socket drivers were 
removed from the module list, but are retained in the source. kernel version 2.4.20bf doesn't 
have/support yenta. I haven't tried a straight debian install yet, so can't 100% vouch for that
assumption.

Thanks,
Brian