DLINK DFE-530TX and Mandrake 9.2
 

As I understand from another Website, the Dlink DFE-530TX is supposed to function in Mandrake Linux 9.2. However, they did not offer any thoughts as to how one makes it happen. HardDrake identifies the card as a VT86C100A [Rhine 10/100]. Upon entering DrakConnect, under LAN configuration, it lists eth0 as being down. I then click Configure Local Area Network..., enter an IP address and subnet mask, set Boot Protocol to static, and select yes for Started on boot. I click Activate now, and nothing happens. If I click Ok and close out the LAN configuration window, the IP address and subnet mask disappear. If I Launch the wizard and enter the particulars, it seems to maintain the settings with the exception of the DNS server, which always reverts back to the loopback address (127.0.0.1). However, when I go back into LAN Configuration again, the settings are missing. To me, one who has spent many years dealing with Microsoft OS issues, the problem appears to be driver-related, or at least related to the card's settings that the driver should accommodate.

If the problem is driver-related, how do I install a new driver and get the card functioning? The documentation seems to bypass driver installation altogether. I have already downloaded one from Dlink for Linux in tar format. If the problem is related to something else, what is the problem and how do I correct it?

BTW: The system upon which Mandrake runs is dual-booting with Windows XP Pro.

Thanks,

Greg Shade