So I've downloaded 2.6.10.

I've unpacked it to /usr/src/linux-2.6.10

I've given myself ownership of the directory as a normal user.

As a normal user I entered the directory "linux-2.6.10," and have run 'make menuconfig.'

I receive the following error:

/bin/sh: lxtemp.c: No such file or directory
make [2]: *** [scripts/lxdialog/ncurses] Error 1
make [1]: *** [menuconfig] Error 2
make: *** [menuconfig] Error 2

I have not yet attempted make menuconfig as root, but I know I shouldn't have to do that anyway.

I have never compiled a kernel before, so by all rights I may be missing something obvious.
Any insight would be most helpful.

(note: I am performing all of this on a stock Fedora Core 3 installation).

Thanks much!

GIVE IN AND JUST DO IT AS ROOT !

When compiling a kernel you should su to give yourself access to the needed files