ok, I finally have a config file that works on my pc for the 2.6.11.6 kernel. I had to recompile this kernel numerous times with different config files and did make mrproper in between builds to erase the kernel directory once I had copied the needed files to /boot along with .config. Problem is that I have a bunch of kernel files (vmlinuz-2.6.11.6) and a bunch of config files (config-2.6.11.6), but I'm not certain which files go with the compiled kernel.

I matched them up by time and date, but could I just take the kernel file and make a new config file?

If you compiled the config file in then you can run:
cat /proc/config.gz | gunzip > .config

Or :
zcat /proc/config.gz > .config

Great-I have a config file now using cat /proc/config.gz | gunzip > .config

Is this the config file for the kernel that was booted?

Yes, as the /proc files are virtual files generated on the fly by the kernel at boot
(or when /proc is mounted)

Wow-Linux never ceases to amaze me!! Thanks for all the help!

I'm thinking about doing another kernel build, but need some advice. I'm using a Compaq laptop with a ps2 external mouse. I find the touchpad to be extremely annoying and haven't been able to disable it in xf86config. I saw that there is an option in the kernel to turn off the touchpad. If I turn off the touchpad in the kernel, will I still have use of the external ps2 mouse?

What slackware version do you run, as xf86config seems a little obsolete these days...

For the touchpad thing, try and see I would think if you enable PS2 mouse in config,
your PS2 mouse should work

I have Slack 10. I meant xorg.conf. I've used a bunch of Live Linux cds-Peanut Linux calls it xf86.

I'll try another kernel build-thanx for the advice!