[ltp] SuSE 9.2 on Thinkpad A21p - ethernet.?

[Donald B. Altman]

Hello,

I just tried to install SuSE 9.2 on my Thinkpad A21p (1600X1200, 3Com
mini- pci ethernet/modem)

I had been running SuSE 9.1 by using "acpi=off" in the boot sequence.  
That enabled my ethernet adapter to work.

Well, installing 9.2 got me into the ethernet problem again. This
time the acpi=off  switch didn't help.  The problem
is that, after the 3Com 59x driver is loaded, I get a warning that
no MII transceivers are found.  Then the ethernet card shows up
having MAC address ff:ff:ff... and isn't able to connect.  Also, when
finally booted, the mouse periodically stops responding for a second
or so as the machine tries to establish ethernet connectivity (I guess).
(Shutting off the networks seems to help the pauses.)

I'm afraid I'm new enough at this stuff to be stumped.  I've got
hardware info and a record of all the boot parameters and  software
configurations I've tried.  

Googling shows numerous cases of the "No MII transceivers found" message
in numerous kernels, both with 3Com and other ethernet hardware.  But
nothing I've read gives a clear path to solving the problem.

I'd appreciate any pointers anyone can offer.

TIA

Don A

-- 
Donald B. Altman
Singular Technologies
Croton-on-Hudson,  NY