natsemi module

userxsquared · n00b Joined: 26 May 2004 Posts: 21

Hello Everyone,

I am a linux newbie and I have been working with Gentoo for the last week. So far I like it. It has taught me a great deal. My problem now is that I can't get the natsemi module to work after booting into fresh install of Linux. Off the cd I was able to modprobe the module and it worked fine. So I presume that I can move some files off the cd to get the network card working again.

I have tried to move the natsemi.o file off the cd and modprobe it. I have also tried looking for other files to move and can not locate the other files needed (if there are any) ---- I guess this whole module thing confuses me a bit. Can someone give me some good instructions on how I can get the module loaded on the new Linux?

or maybe direct me to a link that will tell me how to manually load the module? I have tried recompiling the kernel with the appropriate support for the device, still no good.

(I hope I posted this in the right section)
uxs

clar77 · Posted: Thu May 27, 2004 2:25 am Post subject: Re: natsemi module

secondshadow · Guru Joined: 23 Jun 2003 Posts: 362

the Natsemi driver can be a little finicky, especially in the 2.4 kernel series in my experiance. And, to make things worse, there are some hardware configurations that certain natsemi based cards just don't play nicely with.

userxsquared · n00b Joined: 26 May 2004 Posts: 21

I guess I did it directly in the kernel. I used 'make menuconfig' and selected it in the section of 'Network Device Support'.

ifconfig just reveals loopback address. It doesn't pick up the card.

??????????

Any other configurations I should look at?

Do I have to do anything with the bios?

UberLord · Posted: Thu May 27, 2004 7:59 am Post subject:

userxsquared · n00b Joined: 26 May 2004 Posts: 21

Ok, well i typed in what you told me to type in:

dmesg | grep natsemi

It doesn't generate any output

I don't understand. I selected the option for it and compiled.
I noticed you said 2.5 and up. I am using kernel 2.4. Does this make a difference?

I just want to get this driver working.

userxsquared · n00b Joined: 26 May 2004 Posts: 21

Got it. I went back and checked out the menu for the kernel configuration. I put an asterik in the field for National Semiconductor so that it is built in. I changed it to M for module. Recompiled and it works.

They should clarify the distinction in the manual from built in and module and that some things are module only.

Thanks everyone.

uxs

UberLord · Posted: Fri May 28, 2004 7:51 am Post subject: