New kernel cud not detect ethernet cards
 

I am using a Debian 2.2.20-idepci kernel.Y'day i installed kernel 2.4.23(Since it is the latest stable one,I want to use it).I just copied the my old kernels configuration file(/boot/config-2.2..20-idepci) and compiled my new 2.4.23 kernel.Every thing is working fine except it can not detect the ethernet cards.I am using two ethernet cards.
When it is booting,the folwwing message i got
-------------------------------------------------------------
Configuring network interfaces:
SIOCSIFADDR: No such device
eth0: ERROR while getting interface flags: No such device
SIOCSIFNETMASK: No such device
SIOCSIFBRDADDR: No such device
eth0: ERROR while getting interface flags: No such device
eth0: ERROR while getting interface flags: No such device

modprobe: modprobe: Can't locate module eth1
SIOCSIFADDR: No such device
modprobe: modprobe: Can't locate module eth1
eth1: ERROR while getting interface flags: No such device
modprobe: modprobe: Can't locate module eth1
SIOCSIFNETMASK: No such device
modprobe: modprobe: Can't locate module eth1
SIOCSIFBRDADDR: No such device
modprobe: modprobe: Can't locate module eth1
eth1: ERROR while getting interface flags: No such device
modprobe: modprobe: Can't locate module eth1
eth1: ERROR while getting interface flags: No such device
modprobe: modprobe: Can't locate module eth1



In my old kernel i am able to use ethernet cards.

where it is goig wrong?.Any modules are needed?.
Or anything to do with /etc/modules.conf.
Please help me.I am new to this area.

It's a good idea, when having problems with hardware, to specify the hardware being used. Also when using the config file of the previous kernel it's a good idea to check it out. Especially when there's such a huge difference between them.

it is REALTEK 8139 FAST ETHERNET

Well to make that one work you'll need the 8139too module. To see if you have it and if it will load, type modprobe 8139too. If it doesn't load give the output here. If it doens't exist then you didn't compile it.

How to select that particular module (8139too).Under which category that module is existing?.
can any one explain what will happen if i enable that paricular option instead of loading it as a module.
What is the difference b/w the two apart from the increase in the size of the kernel in the first one.
Sorry for asking many stupid qns.I am a beginner in linux

Thank you man.it is working fine.but every time after booting i have to manually load the modules(modporbe 8139too).How to make it automatically

Edit modules.conf and make sure there is a line "alias eth0 8139too" there. That should tell it where to look. If that fails just add the line "8139too" to /etc/modules.

Thank u verymuch.It is working fine