iptables not working and I am lost.

[rogerdugans]

I have tried searching here and with Google, found many ideas and things to try: no luck.

Recent stage 3 install of 2.4.25 kernel, no other issues, and I have emerged plenty of stuff so I am sure that is working right.

I have tested a few ways:
with another pc trying to access (successful)
Firestarter (iptables gui config app)
Knetfilter (another gui app)

The gui apps both give me errors about iptables or my kernel needing to be upgraded.
My research pointed out that netfilter is not selected in the kernel by default, so I have compiled 4 or 5 different kernels at this point, adding other selections and changing module/kernel selection (where possible)- nothing worked.
My results are the same each time.

Does anyone have any suggestions/pointers?
I have broadband and dislike running with just my gateway router for protection from the script-kiddies.

I am no linux pro, here, and I am fairly new to having a running Gentoo system.
And I need help.

[Lajasha]

You will need to compile netfilter into the kernel and make sure the other iptables options are modules. No idea why but the others do not like being compied into the kernel.

Also if you can post the exact error you are getting.
_________________
Come and play in my land

[rogerdugans]

Ok, messing with 2.6 kernel right now...as soon as I screw this up I'll try another 2.4 compile with netfilter in kernel and the rest as modules.

Results will be posted when I am done.
Thanks.

[rogerdugans]

Ok....two surprises:
I didn't screw up my 2.6 kernel.

And

I am a dope.

I only have 5 other linux rigs running, all with working iptables......

I opened up one of the other kernel configs and copied the netfilter/iptables selections exactly:

it works.

There are a BUNCH of things I added though, and I think I'll mess around at some point just to se exactly which ones are actually needed.
The other rigs have Fedora and while I like it, Fedora is bloated as...well, you get the idea.

Thanks for the help.