I have had quite a time trying to get past my problem. I am a newbie, but I think this problem is a bit challenging.

When I run a very basic iptable script, or when I run modprobe on various modules, i get the following error message. Many times it is repeated before ending. It is always the same. ArggghhhH!

/lib/modules/2.4.18-3/kernel/net/ipv4/netfilter/ip_tables.o: insmod ip_tables failed
iptables v1.2.5: can't initialize iptables table `filter': iptables who? (do you need to insmod?)
Perhaps iptables or your kernel needs to be upgraded.
/lib/modules/2.4.18-3/kernel/net/ipv4/netfilter/ip_tables.o: init_module: Device or resource busy
Hint: insmod errors can be caused by incorrect module parameters, including invalid IO or IRQ parameters
/lib/modules/2.4.18-3/kernel/net/ipv4/netfilter/ip_tables.o: insmod /lib/modules/2.4.18-3/kernel/net/ipv4/netfilter/ip_tables.o failed

Either recompile your kernel and modules or reinstall RedHat 7.3. If you go with the reinstall option pay close attention to the setup.

I dont know what happens if you have iptables trying load while ipchains are running. That might be the case. Check to make sure the ipchains arent running, then recompile or reinstall if nessasary.

I ran redhat 7.3 for a while and didnt have any problems with iptables.

I am at my wits end. I know this should be freakin simple. I have literally put in about 30 hours of time and I have not gotten anyway. Sorry for my frustration.

All I am trying to do is get a home gateway going. External nic is DSL modem. Internal nic is cross over to my laptop. 192.168.1.0

All I want to do is have my laptop access the internet. I have tried all kinds of things including masquerading and I am sure I have done nothing right.

Can't I just test a few simple things and to make sure I am moving from the laptop to the internet? From there I can build. I just can't get anything to freaking work.

Running RH 7.3 with 1.2.5 iptables and a 2.4 kernel

I have tried the HOWTO's from tldp.org, netfilter-samba.or and a few others. each time I tried, I totally reloaded 7.3 to make sure nothing was left.

Can someone just offer up a few suggestions?

[snipped]

I GOT IT!! Finally, I started all over. I installed 7.3 without a firewall. I think having the installer put in a firewall conflicts a little. ipchains really shouldn't be running at all. I also found that the best advice came from yolinux's home gatwey HOWTO. It was written well.