Compilation options in config and Kernel panic
 

I recently compiled a 2.6.1 kernel but it didn't boot. There was a kernel panic about mounting hdc6 which is my root partition. What is the problem here?
Also which network options do I need to enable if I am not on a network but have a dialup modem and want acccess to internet and email?
I currently use kppp to connect and it uses PAP authentication.
Lastly which things should I compile into the kernel and which things should I compile as modules? What does this affect?
Thanks
Bye