Just starting out
 

I am using Lunar 1.6.1-X86_64
Kernel 2.6.20

On start up I get the error "Starting eth0: DHCP failed

I am a new Linux Lunar user and I want to keep windows for gameing only and save the real jobs for Linux.

For same reason DHCP failed, i would only assume.

eth0 is the first Ethernet network cable you have. DHCP is a protocol to setup a network connection by asking the DHCP server for that info, this make setting up a internet connection easy, just run a DHCP client, and all done. For some reason, this failed, so at worst, you'll have no internet. Since no further information is displayed, why it failed is a mystery. Perhaps you where not connected to the internet? No drivers for your network card? Or the program itself failed.

You should still be able to startup the distro. Go into a command line, and as root, type "dhcpcd" (the command might vary, but it will always have "dhcp" in it). It should give a better error message at least.

AND---please describe your network connection: DSL, cable, dialup? Do you have a router?

DHCP Failed
 

OK.. I type in the "dhcpcd" and I get the error "Timed out waiting for valid DHCP server responce"
I am using a cabel modem with a switch box, I have tested both lines with laptop and can get connected

Its probably a driver issue, what network card do you have?

You can use "lspci" to say, and "lsmod" to show drivers currently loaded.

network connection
 

I am useing onboard Via Rhine on Chaintech SK8t8oo with
Via K8t8oo + VT837

I am useing onboard Via Rhine on Chaintech SK8t8oo with
Via K8t8oo + VT8237

and what does "lsmod" say?

network connection
 

"lsmod" dont say much
"Module Size Used by"
followed by nothing

Network connection
 

"lspci" reports VIA Technologies,Inc. VT6102 [Rhine-II rev 78

try "modprobe via-rhine", then try to configure the network again.

Network connection
 

GRRRR
FATAL: Module via_rhine not found.
It's a good thing I shave my head cause I would be pulling my hair out by now:scratch:

OK, well either i got the driver name wrong (in which case you can try to find it yourself, somewhere in /lib/modules), or your distribution has failed to include a driver for your card. See if you can find the kernel sources and compile the driver for your needs, or get another distribution.

Internet connection
 

Boy doI feel stupid!!!
I am the victim of a bad switchbox..all is working well so far.

ILL BE BACK! :p